Meaning & use
homely
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Meanings
adjectivecomparableAmerican
Plain or not very good-looking, especially of a face.
Grammar: Mostly American English; can sound unkind.
The puppy was homely but adorable.
She thought her homely face was ordinary.
adjectivecomparableBritishapproving
Simple, comfortable and welcoming like a home.
Grammar: Mostly British English; approving.
The inn has a warm, homely atmosphere.
She cooked a homely meal of stew.
adjectivecomparableold-fashioned
Simple and unpretentious in manner.
Grammar: Slightly old-fashioned.
He gave homely advice about gardens.
The homely farmer greeted us warmly.
Word forms
| comparative | homelier |
|---|---|
| superlative | homeliest |
Common combinations
- homely atmosphere
- The cafe has a homely atmosphere.
- homely face
- He had a homely face.
- homely cooking
- They serve homely cooking.
- homely touch
- Rugs add a homely touch.
Synonyms and how they differ
- cozy
- Cozy suggests warm and snug, and is common in both varieties.
- plain
- Plain describes looks without the sense of comfort.
- unattractive
- Unattractive is neutral but more blunt.
Opposites
Word family
- homeliness noun
- the quality of being homely
- homey adjective
- cozy, American spelling
Commonly confused: homely or homey?
homely vs homey
Homey always means cozy, while homely depends on the country.
Practice
In British English, a homely cottage is most likely one that is ___.
Choose one answer.
In Britain homely is approving and means cozy. Americans may read it as plain-looking.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “homely”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.