Homely

/ˈhəʊmli/ · adjective

Meaning

Characteristic of, belonging to, or befitting a home; domestic, cosy..

Definitions by Sense

1. Characteristic of, belonging to, or befitting a home; domestic, cosy.
2. (Canada, US) Lacking in beauty or elegance, plain in appearance, physically unattractive.
3. (UK dialectal) On intimate or friendly terms with (someone); familiar; at home (with a person); intimate.
4. (UK dialectal, of animals) Domestic; tame.
5. (UK dialectal) Personal; private.
6. (UK dialectal) Friendly; kind; gracious; cordial.
7. (India) Conservative and family-oriented.
8. Simple; plain; familiar; unelaborate; unadorned.

Example Sentences

An interesting illustration of this is the way in which the English flower names which were in use till very recently are being ousted by Greek ones, snapdragon becoming antirrhinum, forget-me-not becoming myosotis, etc. It is hard to see any practical reason for this change of fashion: it is probably due to an instinctive turning-away from the more homely word and a vague feeling that the Greek word is scientific.

Other homely details in the stories — preparing a salad, diapering a baby

Mowgli: "Oh, don't worry Chota, it may not be homely, but I can warm it up."

There is none so homely but loves a looking-glass.

"I can't send a young, pretty girl, or for that matter even a homely one if you'd have her, on a job like this without telling her what to expect."

You see, she sees herself as a starlet; I see her as a sturdy, healthy but decidedly homely kid.

With all these men I was right homely, and communed with them long and oft.

I am seeking a beautiful homely girl for marriage.

Synonyms for homely

Antonyms for homely

Related Words

Word Forms

• homelier
• more homely
• homeliest
• most homely
• hamely

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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