homely
7 synonyms and 4 antonyms for homely, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Simple, cosy, and comfortable, in the way of a family home.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Simple, cosy, and comfortable, in the way of a family home.
“The inn had a homely 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.
Full origin of 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.
