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homely Definition

homely (hōm′lē)

adjective -·lier, -·li·est

  1. Obsolete
    1. of the home; domestic
    2. homelike
    1. characteristic of or suitable for home or home life; simple and unpretentious or plain and everyday homely virtues
    2. not elegant or polished; crude
  3. not good-looking or handsome; plain or unattractive

Etymology: ME homli

homely Related Forms
home′·li·ness noun
homely Synonyms

homely

modif.

  1. Unpretentious

    snug, simple, cozy; see modest 2.

  2. Ill-favored

    plain, unattractive, uncomely; see ugly 1.

homely Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • very: We had a lovely flat, which was very homely.
  • yet: The apartment offers rooms, which have been beautifully furnished providing a graceful, yet homely ambiance for you to relax.
  • really: Relaxing neutral colors give a real sense of peace while stylish and creative furnishings give a really homely feel.
  • so: I have never been to any hotel where the stay has been so homely, lively and friendly.
  • quite: Despite the size of the company, it feels quite homely.
  • extremely: The Castell Malgwyn is an extremely homely Georgian country house with river frontage and spacious gardens.

Adjective complement with noun phrase

  • make: All food is cooked with the love of making a home homely.

Modifies a noun

  • atmosphere: In every case, a homely atmosphere pervades the services.
  • ambiance: Wood paneled lounges create a homely, warm ambiance.
  • surroundings: Jean provides warm, friendly hospitality in homely surroundings.
  • furnishing: Built before 1850, it has been renovated to retain cozy original features but with modern appliances and homely furnishings.
  • inn: We found one homely inn with two small bedrooms, kept by a kindly Basque woman.
  • comfort: Finish the evening in the homely comforts of the lounge with the log fire for the colder evenings.

Used with adjective complement

  • feel: Despite the size of the company, it feels quite homely.
  • look: One week in my flat is now looking somewhat more homely.
  • seem: For them the light will shine in some other corner of the galaxy, perhaps even a black hole will seem more homely.
  • make: Made homely with a French dresser, long Indian teak tables, white cotton tablecloths and spotted crockery.
homely Quotes

   4. The chosen and male shall go forth unto professions while the chosen and female shall be homely, fecund, docile and slightly artistic.

—Kennedy, A(lison) L(ouise)

Alas! What boots it with uncessant care To tend the homely slighted Shepherd's trade, And strictly meditate the thankless muse; Were it not better done as others use, To sport with Amaryllis in the shade, Or with the tangles of Neaera's hair? Fame is the spur that the clear spirit doth raise (That last infirmity of noble mind) To scorn delights, and live laborious days; But the fair guerdon when we hope to find, And think to burst out into sudden blaze, Comes the blind Fury with th'abhorred shears, And slits the thin-spun life.

—Milton,John