What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
humble
Example
She was a humble woman who never boasted about her accomplishments. [humble: adjective]
Example
He humbly accepted the award, thanking his team for their support. [humbly: adverb]
unpretentious
Example
The restaurant had an unpretentious atmosphere, with simple decor and home-style cooking. [unpretentious: adjective]
Example
She was refreshingly unpretentious, always speaking her mind and never trying to impress anyone. [unpretentious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Humble is more common than unpretentious in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and a more positive connotation. Unpretentious is less common but still useful for describing places or things that are simple and genuine.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between humble and unpretentious?
Both humble and unpretentious are relatively informal words, although humble can be used in more formal contexts to express respect or deference.