unobtrusively
/ˌʌnəbˈtruːsɪvli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌʌnəbˈtruːsɪvli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-əb-ˈtrü-siv How to pronounce unobtrusive (audio) -ziv/ (ame, mw)
unobtrusively — adverb
1. done or happening so quietly and gently that other people do not notice it or ar
done or happening so quietly and gently that other people do not notice it or are not disturbed by it.
Tuan unobtrusively placed a cup of tea on his colleague's desk.
verb of placement + unobtrusively
The security cameras were mounted unobtrusively behind the potted plants near the entrance.
passive: be mounted unobtrusively
Yumi unobtrusively left the meeting to answer a call from her daughter.
The new library fan runs so unobtrusively that visitors forget it is even on.
- discreetly
focuses on being careful not to embarrass or disturb others
- subtly
emphasises a slight, barely noticeable quality
- inconspicuously
stresses physical invisibility or blend-in quality
- quietly
a more general, everyday word for without noise or fuss
- obtrusively
in a way that attracts too much attention
- conspicuously
in a very noticeable way
文法句型
verb + unobtrusively
用法筆記
Commonly collocates with verbs of movement (slip, move, position), placement (place, mount, install), and perception (operate, work, run).
常見錯誤
unobtrusively — adjective
- unobtrusivelypositive
- more unobtrusivelycomparative
- most unobtrusivelysuperlative
1. deliberately designed, arranged, or behaved in a way that avoids drawing notice
deliberately designed, arranged, or behaved in a way that avoids drawing notice or causing inconvenience to others.
Marco wore an unobtrusive grey suit that did not draw attention at the formal dinner.
unobtrusive + noun (clothing)
The restaurant's decor is deliberately unobtrusive so the food remains the centre of attention.
predicative: be + unobtrusive
Nila appreciated the unobtrusive service at the small inn, where staff never interrupted her meals.
The artist chose an unobtrusive wooden frame that did not compete with the painting itself.
- inconspicuous
stronger emphasis on physical invisibility or blending in
- discreet
focuses on behaviour that avoids causing embarrassment
- subtle
describes something so slight or delicate that it is hard to notice
- modest
suggests simplicity or lack of showiness rather than invisibility
- obtrusive
noticeable in an unwanted way
- conspicuous
very obvious and attention-grabbing
- blatant
unpleasantly or offensively noticeable
文法句型
unobtrusive + noun
be + unobtrusive
用法筆記
Describes things that are present but do not force themselves on one's attention. Common with nouns related to design (decor, frame, colour) and behaviour (service, manner, presence).