homely

Everyday

1. (UK, Australia) Homely means simple, warm and comfortable, like a cosy home. tree →
2. (US, Canada) Homely means plain and not good-looking. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday British and Australian talk a homely café or room is cosy and welcoming. In American English calling someone homely is unkind. Phrases: a homely kitchen, a homely feel.

Examples

• The cottage had a homely feel with its fire and soft chairs. tree →
• Grandma cooks homely food like stew and pie. tree →
• The guest house was small and homely. tree →
• In the story, the homely farm girl turned out to be brave. tree →
• We love the homely smell of baking bread. tree →
• The hotel was not grand, but very homely. tree →
• A cradle is such a nice homely thing to have about a house.” tree →

Note

Big trap between countries: in the UK it is praise (cosy); in the US it is a criticism of looks (plain). Do not mix up with "homey" or "homelike". Avoid calling a person homely.