unpretending
/'ʌnpri'tenʃəs/ Cách viết khác : (unpretending) /'ʌnpri'tendiɳ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
His unpretending office is simply furnished with a wooden desk and a single bookshelf.
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not attempting to impress others with an appearance of greater importance, talent, or culture than is actually possessed; modest and sincere. This describes a person, manner, or thing that is simple, genuine, and free from any show of pretense or affectation.
Usage
The adjective "unpretending" is used to describe a quality of modesty and lack of affectation. It is a formal or literary synonym for "unpretentious." It typically modifies nouns referring to people, their behavior, styles, or objects. - It is used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like "be"). - It carries a positive connotation, suggesting honesty and authenticity.
Examples
- Attributive use (before a noun):
- She lived in an unpretending cottage at the edge of the village.
- His unpretending manner made everyone feel comfortable immediately.
- Predicative use (after a linking verb):
- The restaurant's decor is simple and unpretending.
- Despite her fame, she remained remarkably unpretending.
Advanced Usage
- In contrast to pretension: Often used to highlight a refreshing absence of the showiness or artificiality common in a particular context.
- In a world of lavish celebrity parties, their unpretending gathering was a welcome change.
- Describing artistic or intellectual work: Can describe work that is straightforward and honest in its execution, without attempting to be overly complex or avant-garde merely for effect.
- The novel's strength lies in its unpretending prose and heartfelt storytelling.
Variants and Related Words
- Unpretentious (adj): The more common and frequently used synonym for "unpretending," with identical meaning.
- He is a wealthy but unpretentious man.
- Unpretentiously (adv): In an unpretending manner.
- The meal was prepared unpretentiously but deliciously.
- Unpretentiousness (n): The quality of being unpretending.
- The unpretentiousness of the local pub is its main charm.
Synonyms
- Modest: Unassuming in the estimation of one's abilities or achievements.
- Unassuming: Not having a showy or pretentious manner.
- Down-to-earth: Sensible and practical, not pretentious.
- Plain: Not decorated or elaborate; simple or ordinary in character.
- Natural: Having a manner that is genuine and not artificial.
Antonyms
- Pretentious: Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed.
- Ostentatious: Characterized by pretentious or showy display; designed to impress.
- Affected: Artificial, pretentious, and designed to impress.
- Grandiose: Impressive or magnificent in appearance or style, especially pretentiously so.
- Showy: Having a striking appearance or style, typically by being excessively bright, colorful, or elaborate.
His unpretending office is simply furnished with a wooden desk and a single bookshelf.
Adjective
- not ostentatious
- his unostentatious office
- unostentatious elegance