Homeliest: meaning, definitions and examples
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homeliest
[ ˈhoʊmli/ˌiːst ]
physical appearance
The term 'homeliest' is the superlative form of 'homely', which refers to someone or something that is unattractive or plain in appearance. It implies a certain simplicity and lack of sophistication in looks. Although it often carries a negative connotation, it can sometimes evoke a sense of rustic charm or unpretentiousness. In literature and conversation, it may be used to describe a person who is not conventionally attractive yet possesses other appealing qualities.
Synonyms
ordinary, plain, simple, unattractive, unsightly
Examples of usage
- She is the homeliest of the three sisters.
- The homeliest house on the street has a warm atmosphere.
- Despite being the homeliest dog in the park, he is the most loved.
- His homeliest sweater is actually the coziest.
Translations
Translations of the word "homeliest" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mais feio
🇮🇳 सबसे कुरूप
🇩🇪 hässlichster
🇮🇩 paling jelek
🇺🇦 найнепривабливіший
🇵🇱 najbrzydszy
🇯🇵 最も醜い
🇫🇷 le plus moche
🇪🇸 el más feo
🇹🇷 en çirkin
🇰🇷 가장 못생긴
🇸🇦 الأكثر قبحًا
🇨🇿 nejškarednější
🇸🇰 najškarednejší
🇨🇳 最丑的
🇸🇮 najgrši
🇮🇸 leiðinlegast
🇰🇿 ең ұсқынсыз
🇬🇪 ყველაზე მახინჯი
🇦🇿 ən çirkin
🇲🇽 el más feo
Etymology
The word 'homeliest' derives from the base word 'home', which has Old English origins from the word 'hām', meaning a dwelling or residence. The transformation to 'homely' emerged in Middle English, where it denoted a sense of comfort or familiarity associated with one's home. Over time, the meaning shifted, especially in American English, to describe someone or something that lacks physical attractiveness, contrasting with the more warm connotations of the word in British English. The adjective 'homely' has been used since the 14th century, while 'homeliest' as the superlative form became common in the 18th century. Despite its negative implications regarding appearance, 'homely' still retains nuances of warmth and comfort in certain contexts, especially regarding domestic environments.