adj C1 Advanced

homely

HOHM-lee

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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.”

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."

(chiefly US) Plain-looking; not physically attractive.

"He described himself modestly as a homely fellow with an honest face."

How to use homely

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIn British English, cosy and welcoming like a family home; in American English, it more often means plain or unattractive.

UK vs US

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.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Comparative: homelier, more homely
Superlative: homeliest, most homely

Test yourself on “homely” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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cozy homey modest plain unattractive homy homelike

Related words

man small field common beautiful simple normal standard

Rhymes for homely

rely comely lonely timely lovely widely lively lately rarely barely likely surely

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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