Homely Meaning in English
word
ˈhoʊmɫi
HOHM-lee
hˈəʊmli
HOHM-lee
Definition
In British English, 'homely' describes something comfortable and simple, like home. In American English, it usually means someone is unattractive in appearance.
Usage & Nuances
'Homely' is positive in British English (means cozy, welcoming) but negative in American English (means unattractive person). Rarely used for places in US English. Don't confuse with 'homemade' or 'homey'.
Spanish: sencillo - poco atractivoPortuguese (BR): simples - pouco atraentePortuguese (PT): simples - pouco atraenteChinese (Simplified): 其貌不扬 - 朴素Chinese (Traditional): 其貌不揚 - 樸素Hindi: सादा - आकर्षक नहींArabic: بسيط - غير جذابBengali: গৃহসুলভ (জিনিস/জায়গা) - সাধারণ মুখশ্রী (লোকজনের জন্য, দেখতে অনাকর্ষণীয়)Russian: уютный (о месте) - непривлекательный (о человеке)Japanese: 家庭的（雰囲気がある、くつろげる）- 不器量（見た目が良くない、主にアメリカ英語）Vietnamese: ấm cúng (chỉ nơi chốn) - không ưa nhìn (chỉ người, nghĩa Mỹ)Korean: 아늑한 (장소/분위기) - 못생긴 (사람, 미국식)Turkish: sıcak (yer için, İngilizce anlamı) - sıradan/çekici olmayan (kişi için, Amerikan İngilizcesi)Urdu: گھریلو - سادہ سا (خواتین/شخصیت کے لیے، پرکشش نہ ہونا)Indonesian: nyaman seperti di rumah (untuk tempat) - kurang menarik (untuk orang, makna Amerika)
Example Sentences
She has a homely face.
basic
The cottage feels very homely.
basic
He wore homely clothes to the party.
basic
The room isn't fancy, but it's really homely and comfortable.
natural
He may be homely, but he is very kind and funny.
natural
I love the homely vibe of your kitchen—it's so welcoming.
natural