unpretentious
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of unpretentious
First recorded in 1855–60; un- 1 + pretentious
Explanation
The adjective unpretentious is perfect for describing someone you know who's modest and natural and never tries to impress other people. Pretentious comes from the Latin word meaning "pretend," prætensus, so when you're unpretentious, you see no reason to pretend. Some of your favorite people are probably unpretentious, tending to be honest and genuine. When extremely talented or well-known people are unpretentious, they feel no need to show off or remind you of their accomplishments. A place can also be described as unpretentious, if it's simple and comfortable, like the cozy, unpretentious cafe where you like to hang out.
Vocabulary lists containing unpretentious
100 SAT Words Beginning with "U"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Unpretentious and clublike — the bar that gave the television show “Cheers” its name comes to mind — Joe Allen changed little over the years.
From New York Times • Feb. 8, 2021
Unpretentious and sturdy, the prairie-style brick Governor’s Residence has stood since 1960 as a metaphor for the state.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 12, 2017
Unpretentious, ever-smiling, and beloved by all his fellow runners, Rodgers had a little-known hard edge that he reserved for race directors.
From The New Yorker • Nov. 2, 2016
Unpretentious workingman’s spot with a large buffet; Midlands style.
From Washington Post • Aug. 1, 2016
Already he felt almost self-righteous about his new life because it was going to be Down to Earth, Humble, Unpretentious, Real.
From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
