Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Simple, plain, and unpretentious: Describing something that is ordinary, without decoration or sophistication, often in a way that is comfortable and familiar.
   • Cozy, comfortable, and home-like: Having a warm, welcoming, and familiar quality that is associated with home.
   • (Chiefly North American) Unattractive in appearance: Describing a person, especially a woman or girl, who is not physically attractive.

Usage Examples

• Simple and plain:
  • The restaurant served homely, hearty meals.
  • She gave us some homely advice about saving money.
• Cozy and home-like:
  • The cabin had a homely charm with its fireplace and wooden furniture.
  • We enjoyed the homely atmosphere of the small bed and breakfast.
• Unattractive:
  • The character was described as a homely girl with a kind heart.
  • He was often teased for being homely in his youth.

Advanced Usage

• "Homely virtues": Refers to simple, traditional, and domestic virtues like thrift, honesty, and kindness.
  • The novel celebrates the homely virtues of rural life.
• "Homely fare": Simple, traditional, and nourishing food.
  • The inn was known for its homely fare and generous portions.

Variants and Related Words

• Homeliness (noun): The quality of being homely.
  • The homeliness of the cottage was its main appeal.
• Homey (adjective, chiefly North American): An alternative spelling and common variant meaning cozy and comfortable like a home. (Note: This is a distinct, related word, not a direct variant of 'homely' in all its senses).
  • They tried to create a homey feeling in the apartment.

Synonyms

• Plain, simple, unpretentious: For the sense of being ordinary and without adornment.
• Cozy, snug, home-like, comfortable: For the sense of being warm and welcoming.
• Unattractive, plain, uncomely: For the sense of lacking physical beauty.

Antonyms

• Elegant, sophisticated, ornate: For the sense of being simple.
• Uncomfortable, impersonal, sterile: For the sense of being cozy.
• Beautiful, attractive, handsome: For the sense of being unattractive.

Important Note on Regional Usage

The meaning of homely differs significantly between British and American English. - In British English, the primary meanings are "simple/plain" and "cozy/comfortable." The negative sense of "unattractive" is less common and can be considered offensive. - In American English, the primary meaning is often "unattractive in appearance." The positive senses of "cozy" or "simple" are still understood but may be less frequent; "homey" is often preferred for the positive "cozy" meaning to avoid confusion.

Adjective

1. without artificial refinement or elegance
   • plain homely furniture
   • homely manners
2. plain and unpretentious
   • homely truths
   • letters to his son full of homely advice
   • homely fare
3. having a feeling of home; cozy and comfortable
   • the homely everyday atmosphere
   • a homey little inn
4. lacking in physical beauty or proportion
   • a homely child
   • several of the buildings were downright homely
   • a plain girl with a freckled face