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unpretentious
/ˌʌnprɪˈtɛnʃəs/
modest and free from affectation
The artist's unpretentious style made her work accessible to everyone.
Her work was simple and genuine, without trying to impress.
general
Not trying to impress others; modest and genuine
He gave an unpretentious speech, focusing on facts rather than flattery.
His speech was straightforward and honest, without unnecessary embellishments.
The café had an unpretentious atmosphere, perfect for casual meetings.
The café was simple and welcoming, without any pretentious decor.
Often used to describe people, places, or things that are genuine and free from artificiality.
Collocations
unpretentious stylea simple and genuine way of doing somethingunpretentious mannera humble and sincere way of behaving
Pro Tip
Positive vs. Negative Connotations
While 'unpretentious' often has a positive meaning (modest, genuine), it can sometimes imply a lack of sophistication or refinement.
Word Origin
From 'un-' (not) + 'pretentious' (affected or artificial), first recorded in the mid-19th century.
Usage Notes
Often used to describe people, places, or things that are genuine and free from artificiality. Can be used positively to describe sincerity or negatively to imply a lack of sophistication.
Word Breakdown
un-
not
prefixpretentious
affected or artificial
rootEnglish Dictionary