homely Definition
- 1simple but cozy and comfortable, as in one's own home
- 2unattractive in appearance
Using homely: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "homely" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The homely atmosphere of the cottage made us feel at ease.
Example
She was a homely woman with a kind heart.
Example
The hotel room was small but homely.
Example
The old house had a homely charm.
homely Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for homely
Antonyms for homely
- elegant
- sophisticated
- attractive
- beautiful
Phrases with homely
Example
She may not have been beautiful, but her homely face was full of character.
Example
After a long day at work, I always look forward to a homely meal.
homely girl
a girl who is plain or unattractive in appearance
Example
Despite being a homely girl, she had a great personality and was well-liked by everyone.
Origins of homely
from Old English 'hāmlic', meaning 'of the home'
Summary: homely in Brief
The term 'homely' [ˈhoʊmli] has two distinct meanings. The first refers to something that is simple but cozy and comfortable, like one's own home. For example, 'The homely atmosphere of the cottage made us feel at ease.' The second meaning is unattractive in appearance, as in 'She was a homely woman with a kind heart.' Synonyms include 'cozy,' 'comfortable,' 'welcoming,' 'plain,' 'unattractive,' and 'ugly.'