Unvarnished: meaning, definitions and examples

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unvarnished

 

[ ʌnˈvɑːrnɪʃt ]

Context #1

honest

Not covered with a layer of paint or varnish; plain and simple. Figuratively, it means expressing the truth without hiding anything.

Synonyms

direct, frank, honest, plain, straightforward

Examples of usage

  • I appreciated her unvarnished opinion on the matter.
  • He gave an unvarnished account of what happened that night.
Context #2

direct

Not disguised or elaborated; plain and straightforward.

Synonyms

blunt, frank, honest, plain, straightforward

Examples of usage

  • She gave me an unvarnished look at the situation.
  • His unvarnished criticism was hard to swallow.

Translations

Translations of the word "unvarnished" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sem verniz

🇮🇳 बिना वार्निश

🇩🇪 unlackiert

🇮🇩 tanpa pernis

🇺🇦 нелакований

🇵🇱 niepolakierowany

🇯🇵 塗装されていない

🇫🇷 non verni

🇪🇸 sin barniz

🇹🇷 verniksiz

🇰🇷 바니시되지 않은

🇸🇦 غير مدهون

🇨🇿 nenalakovaný

🇸🇰 nelakovaný

🇨🇳 未上漆

🇸🇮 nepolakiran

🇮🇸 óvarinn

🇰🇿 лаксыз

🇬🇪 უშეღებავი

🇦🇿 laklanmamış

🇲🇽 sin barniz

Word origin

The word 'unvarnished' originated in the mid 17th century from the combination of 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'varnish' which refers to a shiny coating used to decorate or protect something. Over time, 'unvarnished' came to be used figuratively to describe something that is plain, honest, and straightforward, without any embellishments or cover-ups.