adj

homely

HOHM-lee

adj

Simple, cosy, and comfortable, in the way of a family home.

"The inn had a homely feel, with a fire crackling in the corner."

(chiefly US) Plain-looking; not physically attractive.

"He described himself modestly as a homely fellow with an honest face."

How to Use Homely

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIn British English, cosy and welcoming like a family home; in American English, it more often means plain or unattractive.

UK vs US

British speakers use "homely" as a compliment (cosy, welcoming); American speakers often use it to mean plain-looking, even unattractive — a real trap for UK writers addressing a US audience.

Word Forms

homelier comparative, more homely comparative, homeliest superlative, most homely superlative

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The inn had a _____ feel, with a fire crackling in the corner.

Etymology

From Old English hāmlīċ, "of the home, domestic," built from home plus the adjective suffix -ly.

Rhymes for homely

Ely rely Neely comely lonely timely lovely widely lively lately rarely barely

See all rhymes for homely →