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Unattractively Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unattractively

[ˌʌnəˈtræktɪvli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

used to describe the appearance or behavior of someone or something in a negative way

In an unattractive manner; not pleasing or appealing to look at or consider.

Synonyms

unappealingly, unpleasantly, unpleasingly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unattractively

Use this when describing something or someone that lacks beauty or aesthetic appeal.

  • She dressed unattractively, wearing outdated and mismatched clothes.
  • The house was painted unattractively in dull, mismatched colors.
unpleasantly

Best used when describing experiences, environments, or sensations that cause discomfort or are disagreeable.

  • The weather turned unpleasantly cold, making the outing miserable.
  • The room smelled unpleasantly of mildew and damp.
unpleasingly

Describes something that fails to give pleasure or satisfaction; often used similarly to unappealingly but less commonly.

  • The music played unpleasingly, failing to uplift anyone's mood.
  • The art was arranged unpleasingly, making the gallery look chaotic.
unappealingly

Appropriate for situations where something or someone fails to attract interest or lacks charm.

  • He spoke unappealingly, with a monotone voice that put everyone to sleep.
  • The dish was presented unappealingly, making no one want to try it.

Examples of usage

  • She dressed unattractively for the party.
  • The building was unattractively designed.
  • His behavior towards her was unattractively aggressive.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that physical appearance can significantly impact first impressions, influencing social interactions and opportunities.
  • Studies indicate that people often associate attractiveness with positive traits like intelligence and kindness, leading to biases against those deemed unattractive.
  • Social standards for beauty vary widely across cultures and time periods, meaning what is unattractive in one context might be seen as appealing in another.

Pop Culture

  • Many romantic comedies feature the theme of 'inner beauty,' where characters judged unattractively find love by revealing their true, beautiful selves.
  • In fashion, the 'ugly' trend has emerged, where items traditionally viewed as unattractive gain popularity, challenging societal norms.
  • The rise of social media has intensified discussions about attractiveness, bringing diverse beauty standards to a broader audience.

Literature

  • Classic literature often uses unattractive characters to symbolize evil or adversity, such as the witches in 'Macbeth' or monsters in fairy tales.
  • Authors like Charles Dickens illustrate the contrast between physical appearance and moral character, showing unattractive individuals as rich in virtue.
  • The exploration of unattractiveness in stories can serve as a metaphor for inner conflicts, revealing deeper truths about human experience.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have distinct standards of beauty and unattractiveness, demonstrating that perceptions are heavily influenced by societal values.
  • In some Indigenous cultures, physical imperfections can be seen as symbols of strength or wisdom, contrasting mainstream ideas of attractiveness.
  • Art throughout history has depicted beauty and unattractiveness, challenging viewers to consider deeper meanings beyond superficial looks.

Origin of 'unattractively'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 'un-', indicating negation, combined with 'attractive,' which means appealing or good-looking.
  • The term 'attract' has roots in the Latin word 'attrahere,' meaning 'to draw toward.' The 'un-' prefix flips the meaning to the opposite.
  • The use of 'un-' to negate adjectives dates back to Old English, demonstrating how language evolves by adding modifiers.

The word 'unattractively' is derived from the root words 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'attractive' meaning 'pleasing or appealing'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-19th century, evolving to describe something in a negative light. The adverb form allows for the modification of adjectives, indicating a lack of attractiveness in appearance or behavior.

See also: attract, attraction, attractions, attractive, attractively, attractiveness, attractor, attrition, unattractive, unattractiveness.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,009, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.