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Uninviting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿšซ
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uninviting

[หŒษ™nษชnหˆvaษชtษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

description

Not attractive or appealing; giving an unwelcoming or unappealing impression.

Synonyms

repellent, unappealing, unattractive, unwelcoming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uninviting

Used to describe a place or situation that feels uncomfortable, unwelcoming, or not tempting.

  • The house looked uninviting with its broken windows and overgrown lawn
unappealing

Used to describe something that is not attractive or lacks charm, often used for objects or scenarios.

  • The food on the plane looked unappealing and tasteless
unattractive

Used to describe someone or something that lacks physical beauty or charm.

  • The building was rather unattractive with its dull grey walls
unwelcoming

Used to describe a person or place that makes others feel unwelcome or uncomfortable.

  • The receptionist's cold stare made the office feel unwelcoming
repellent

Used to describe something that causes strong dislike or disgust; can be used both literally (to repel insects) and figuratively.

  • His repellent behavior at the party made everyone avoid him

Examples of usage

  • The uninviting room was cold and bare.
  • Her uninviting smile made him feel uncomfortable.
  • The uninviting weather kept most people indoors.
  • The uninviting smell coming from the kitchen made me lose my appetite.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Environments that are uninviting can create feelings of isolation, affecting people's mental state and willingness to engage.
  • Psychological studies show that โ€˜uninvitingโ€™ spaces can trigger feelings of anxiety and discomfort.
  • Interior design often considers elements that make spaces inviting or uninviting, focusing on color, light, and layout.

Art and Literature

  • In literature, settings described as uninviting often symbolize conflict or foreboding, enhancing the mood.
  • Artists frequently depict uninviting landscapes to evoke feelings of desolation or melancholy.
  • Dystopian narratives often feature uninviting environments that reflect societal decay or oppression.

History and Culture

  • Uninviting areas historically served as physical barriers, marking territory and indicating social hierarchies.
  • In many cultures, hospitality is paramount; a lack of welcoming signals social rifts or conflict.
  • Architecture throughout history emphasized inviting spaces to promote community, contrasting with designs that create barriers.

Pop Culture

  • Films often use uninviting settings, like haunted houses, to create suspense and fear, pulling viewers into the narrative.
  • Music videos may feature uninviting locations to symbolize emotional struggle or alienation of the artist.
  • Video games frequently incorporate uninviting environments as a challenge for players, enhancing the suspenseful experience.

Origin of 'uninviting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'un-', a prefix meaning 'not', combined with 'inviting', which relates to welcoming or appealing.
  • The concept of inviting dates back to Middle English, where social gatherings were essential for community bonding.
  • The prefix 'un-' transforms positive adjectives into their negative forms, illustrating how English modifies meaning.

The word 'uninviting' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'inviting'. It has been used in the English language since the late 18th century to describe things or places that do not appear welcoming or attractive.

See also: invitation, invite, invitee, invitees, inviting, uninvited, uninvitingly.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,704 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.