unpretentiously

/ˌʌn.prɪˈten.ʃəs.li/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌʌn.prɪˈten.ʃəs.li/ (ame, ipa) · /"+/ (ame, mw)

1.副詞C2

釋義

without trying to impress people, using a plain and genuine style

例句

The owner greeted every guest unpretentiously in jeans and an old apron.

unpretentiously describing plain, genuine public manner

Diego spoke unpretentiously about the award and thanked the kitchen staff first.

speak unpretentiously after public praise

同義詞

modestly
Often stresses a lack of self-importance, especially after success.
simply
Broader and more everyday, often focusing on style or design.
naturally
Stresses ease and genuineness more than the absence of show.

反義詞

pretentiously
The direct opposite, showing an effort to seem important or refined.
showily
Focuses more on bright display and attracting attention.

文法句型

speak / answer + unpretentiously

dress + unpretentiously

be furnished / decorated + unpretentiously

用法筆記

Often describes speech, dress, rooms, and public behavior that stay plain and genuine. It is usually approving, suggesting that success or style does not turn into showiness.

常見錯誤

❌The lobby was unpretentiously because it had plain chairs.

✅The lobby was unpretentious because it had plain chairs.' / 'The lobby was furnished unpretentiously.

💡Use the adverb to modify a verb or past participle, not directly after 'be'.

❌She smiled unpretentiously to seem more important than everyone else.

✅She smiled pretentiously to seem more important than everyone else.

💡unpretentiously means without showing off, not in a showy way.

unpretentiously