unpretentious

/ˌʌnprɪˈtenʃəs/ (bre, ipa) · [ˌʌnpritˈɛnʃəs] /ˌʌnprɪˈtenʃəs/ (ame, ipa) · [ˌʌnpritˈɛnʃəs] /ˌən-pri-ˈten(t)-shəs How to pronounce unpretentious (audio)/ (ame, mw)

unpretentious — adjective

  • unpretentiouspositive
  • more unpretentiouscomparative
  • most unpretentioussuperlative

1. not trying to impress other people by seeming grand, fashionable, or more import

1.形容詞C1
釋義

not trying to impress other people by seeming grand, fashionable, or more important than you are; plain and genuine in style or behaviour

例句

Despite her Michelin star, Soraya runs an unpretentious noodle shop near the station.

an unpretentious business despite public success

The wedding felt unpretentious, with paper lanterns, home cooking, and borrowed chairs.

be unpretentious about style and atmosphere

同義詞
  • modest

    often focuses more on not praising yourself, especially after success

  • simple

    broader and more everyday, often describing design or style without the social meaning

  • understated

    often used for taste and design, with a quieter elegant tone

  • down-to-earth

    warmer and more informal, mainly for people rather than rooms or clothes

反義詞
  • pretentious

    direct opposite, trying to seem more important or refined than is true

  • showy

    focuses more on attracting attention through bright or obvious display

  • ostentatious

    more formal and often linked to obvious display of wealth

文法句型

an unpretentious [restaurant / room / style]

[person / place] + be + unpretentious

remain / stay unpretentious despite [success]

用法筆記

Common with people, restaurants, homes, clothes, and public behaviour. It is approving, suggesting honest simplicity rather than poor quality or lack of care.

常見錯誤

The hotel is unpretentiousness but comfortable.
The hotel is unpretentious but comfortable.' / 'The hotel has an air of unpretentiousness.
💡'unpretentious' is the adjective; 'unpretentiousness' is the noun.
She sounded unpretentious because she wanted everyone to admire her taste.
She sounded pretentious because she wanted everyone to admire her taste.
💡'unpretentious' means not trying to impress people.