Homely

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈhəʊmli/

Definitions

1. Showing a plain or unattractive appearance in looks ; evoking a simple, comfortable, and familiar feeling or environment
2. Having features that are not strikingly beautiful or handsome ; reflecting a cozy and unpretentious atmosphere like a modest home
3. Describing someone or something unattractive or ordinary in look ; representing warmth and plainness that feels like a lived-in, welcoming place

Etymology: The most surprising thing about "homely" is that its sense of "plain-looking" came first, and its cosy, comfortable sense is the later development. In Middle English the word could mean "domestic" or "familiar" and also "plain" or "unattractive," and both shades were present from the start. It descends from Old English "hāmlīċ," meaning "of the home," built from "hām" (home) and the suffix "-līċ" (like or of the kind of), which is the same suffix behind "-ly" in words such as "lovely." The German cousin "heimlich" is a useful clue to how the word once behaved. Its Germanic relatives across Dutch, Swedish and Danish carry the sense of "secret" or "concealed," so the idea of belonging to the household and the idea of being kept private were closely linked. Scots "hamely" still means "familiar" or "personal," preserving a sense the English word has largely shed.

Synonyms: plain, unattractive, simple

Antonyms: beautiful, attractive