homely

== English == === Alternative forms === hamely (Scotland) === Etymology === From Middle English homly, hoomly, hamely (“domestic, familiar, plain, unattractive”), from Old English *hāmlīċ (“of the home, domestic”), from Proto-West Germanic *haimalīk (“of or characteristic of home”), equivalent to home +‎ -ly. Cognate with Scots hamely (“familiar, personal, private”), West Frisian heimelik, Dutch heimelijk (“secret, secretive, clandestine”), German heimlich (“secret, secretive, clandestine, undercover”), Danish hemmelig (“secret”), Swedish hemlig (“secret, concealed, privy, covert”), Faroese heimligur (“homelike, homey”), Icelandic heimlegur (“homely; worldly”). === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˈhəʊmli/ (US) enPR: hōmʹlē, IPA(key): /ˈhoʊmli/ Rhymes: -əʊmli Hyphenation: home‧ly === Adjective === homely (comparative homelier or more homely, superlative homeliest or most homely) Characteristic of, belonging to, or befitting a home; domestic, cosy. [from early 14th c.] (Canada, US) Lacking in beauty or elegance, plain in appearance, physically unattractive. Antonym: comely (UK dialectal) On intimate or friendly terms with (someone); familiar; at home (with a person); intimate. (UK dialectal, of animals) Domestic; tame. (UK dialectal) Personal; private. (UK dialectal) Friendly; kind; gracious; cordial. (India) Conservative and family-oriented. Simple; plain; familiar; unelaborate; unadorned. [from late 14th c.] a homely garment homely fare homely manners ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== == Middle English == === Adverb === homely alternative form of homly === Adjective === homely alternative form of homly