unvarnished

/ˌʌnˈvɑːnɪʃt/ (bre, ipa) · [ənvˈɑrnɪʃt] /ˌʌnˈvɑːrnɪʃt/ (ame, ipa) · [ənvˈɑrnɪʃt] /ˌən-ˈvär-nisht How to pronounce unvarnished (audio)/ (ame, mw)

unvarnished — adjective

  • unvarnishedpositive
  • more unvarnishedcomparative
  • most unvarnishedsuperlative

1. describing a statement, report, or opinion that tells the full truth in a direct

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describing a statement, report, or opinion that tells the full truth in a direct way, without hiding facts or making things seem better than they really are.

例句

The report gave an unvarnished account of the hospital's money problems, shocking the board members.

unvarnished + account / report — describes plain truth-telling

Liam appreciated his uncle's unvarnished opinion about whether he should move abroad for work.

同義詞
  • frank

    more personal and conversational; less formal than unvarnished

  • candid

    emphasises openness and lack of concealment, often about sensitive topics

  • blunt

    can imply a lack of tact or politeness, which unvarnished does not necessarily carry

  • straightforward

    focuses on clarity and directness rather than emotional honesty

反義詞
  • varnished

    the direct opposite in both literal and figurative senses — describes statements that are glossed over or made to sound better

  • embellished

    suggests added details that make the truth more colourful or impressive

用法筆記

This sense only applies to human communication — speech, writing, opinions, reports. It is not used to describe objects or physical surfaces.

常見錯誤

❌She gave an unvarnished table as a gift' (meaning an honest statement).
✅She gave an unvarnished account of her childhood as a gift to her children.
💡The figurative sense describes communication, not furniture.

2. not coated with the hard, clear, glossy liquid that is applied to wood surfaces

2.形容詞C1
釋義

not coated with the hard, clear, glossy liquid that is applied to wood surfaces to protect them and give them a shiny finish.

例句

The shelves were unvarnished pine, showing every knot and grain of the natural wood.

unvarnished + wood type — describes natural, untreated surface

Trang chose unvarnished oak floorboards for the cabin, liking their simple, rustic look.

同義詞
  • raw

    broader — can describe any material in its natural, untreated state

  • unfinished

    emphasises that the surface has not been given its final coating or polish

  • unpainted

    refers specifically to the absence of paint, not varnish

反義詞
  • varnished

    coated with varnish for a glossy, protected finish

  • polished

    rubbed to a smooth, shiny surface, often with wax or varnish

用法筆記

This is the literal sense, used for physical objects — especially wooden furniture, floors, or musical instruments. It contrasts with 'varnished,' which describes a coated, shiny surface.

常見錯誤

❌He painted the unvarnished wall bright blue.
✅He left the unvarnished wood bare because he liked the natural look.
💡Varnish is specific to wood surfaces, not walls painted with emulsion.