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Unpretentiously: meaning, definitions and examples

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unpretentiously

 

[ˌʌnprɪˈtenʃəsli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a simple or modest manner

Unpretentiously means in a simple or modest manner, without trying to impress others or appear better than one really is. It is the act of being genuine, humble, and down-to-earth.

Synonyms

humbly, modestly, simply.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unpretentiously

Used when describing someone or something that is genuine and does not seek to impress others with showiness. Often implies authenticity and straightforwardness.

  • She spoke unpretentiously about her achievements, focusing on the joy of the work rather than the accolades.
  • The restaurant decorated unpretentiously, with simple furnishings that gave it a homey feel.
modestly

Refers to displaying a moderate estimation of one's abilities or worth. Often used in contexts related to behavior, dress, or claims.

  • She modestly downplayed her role in the successful project.
  • The house is modestly decorated, with no extravagant features.
simply

Used when describing something that is basic, plain, and without unnecessary complexity. Can refer to both objects and actions.

  • They live simply, without many modern conveniences.
  • She explained the concept simply, so even those new to the topic could understand.
humbly

Describes someone who shows or has a modest or low view of their own importance. Often used when someone acknowledges their limitations or expresses gratitude.

  • He humbly accepted the award, thanking everyone who supported him.
  • They live humbly, donating much of their income to charity.

Examples of usage

  • She unpretentiously shared her homemade cookies with the neighbors.
  • He dressed unpretentiously in jeans and a t-shirt for the family gathering.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 'Unpretentiously' comes from 'pretentious', which means trying to sound important or grand when it's not true.
  • The prefix 'un-' means 'not', turning it into the opposite of showy or self-important.
  • The word has been used in English since the late 19th century, growing in popularity as society values authenticity.

Cultural Insights

  • In many cultures, being unpretentious is often seen as a virtue, reflecting humility and genuineness.
  • Movements like minimalism promote unpretentiousness by encouraging people to live with less and appreciate what they truly need.
  • Celebrities known for their unpretentious nature, like Keanu Reeves, often gain public admiration for their down-to-earth behavior.

Psychology

  • Behaving unpretentiously can lead to greater personal satisfaction and stronger relationships because it fosters authenticity.
  • People often find others who are unpretentious more relatable and trustworthy, enhancing social bonds.
  • Studies suggest that being unpretentious can reduce stress by freeing individuals from the pressure to impress others.

Literature

  • Authors like Mark Twain often celebrated unpretentious characters who reflect the virtues of honesty and simplicity in their stories.
  • The idea of unpretentiousness is often linked to the 'everyman' character, which resonates with readers seeking real-life connections.
  • Poetry that embraces unpretentious themes often focuses on everyday experiences, making profound insights feel accessible.

Art and Design

  • Despite the rise of elaborate styles, many modern artists embrace unpretentious design to convey authenticity in their work.
  • The concept of 'Wabi-Sabi' in Japanese art emphasizes beauty in simplicity and imperfection, aligning closely with unpretentious ideals.
  • Architectural designs that prioritize function over flashiness are often praised for their unpretentiousness, creating spaces that feel welcoming.

Translations

Translations of the word "unpretentiously" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sem pretensão

🇮🇳 बिना दिखावे के

🇩🇪 unprätentiös

🇮🇩 tanpa kepura-puraan

🇺🇦 без претензій

🇵🇱 bezpretensjonalnie

🇯🇵 控えめに

🇫🇷 sans prétention

🇪🇸 sin pretensiones

🇹🇷 iddiasız

🇰🇷 겸손하게

🇸🇦 ببساطة

🇨🇿 nenápadně

🇸🇰 nenápadne

🇨🇳 谦虚地

🇸🇮 nepretenciozno

🇮🇸 ósýnislega

🇰🇿 қарапайым

🇬🇪 უკომპლექსოდ

🇦🇿 iddiasız

🇲🇽 sin pretensiones

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,858, 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.