homely
Homely (adj) means Simple, cosy, and comfortable, in the way of a family home. Example: “The inn had a homely feel, with a fire crackling in the corner.”
How to Use Homely
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIn British English, cosy and welcoming like a family home; in American English, it more often means plain or unattractive.
British speakers use "homely" as a compliment (cosy, welcoming); American speakers often use it to mean plain-looking, even unattractive — a real trap for UK writers addressing a US audience.
Word Forms
homelier comparative, more homely comparative, homeliest superlative, most homely superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The inn had a _____ feel, with a fire crackling in the corner.
Etymology
From Old English hāmlīċ, "of the home, domestic," built from home plus the adjective suffix -ly.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for homely
See all rhymes for homely →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “homely” mean?
The word “homely” means simple, cosy, and comfortable, in the way of a family home. In plain terms, in British English, cosy and welcoming like a family home; in American English, it more often means plain or unattractive.
How do you pronounce “homely”?
“Homely” is pronounced HOHM-lee (/ˈhoʊmli/ in IPA).
How do you use “homely” in a sentence?
Here is “homely” used in a sentence: “The inn had a homely feel, with a fire crackling in the corner.”
What part of speech is “homely”?
“Homely” is an adjective.
Where does the word “homely” come from?
The word “homely” comes from Old English. From Old English hāmlīċ, "of the home, domestic," built from home plus the adjective suffix -ly.
How many meanings does “homely” have?
“Homely” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: simple, cosy, and comfortable, in the way of a family home.
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