down-to-earth

adjective

ˈdau̇n-tü-ˈərth 

1

: practical

down-to-earth traveling tips

2

: unpretentious

surprised to find the movie star so down-to-earth

down-to-earthness noun

Synonyms

• demure
• humble
• lowly
• meek
• modest
• unassuming
• unpretentious

Examples of down-to-earth in a Sentence

we were all impressed by how down-to-earth the movie star turned out to be

a down-to-earth guidance counselor who is frank in telling students which colleges they're likely to get into

Recent Examples on the Web

In signing Cobb, the Tigers talked a lot about his down-to-earth personality and clubhouse influence. —Cody Stavenhagen, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025

The two had dinner with a mutual friend and she was disarmed by the YouTuber’s down-to-earth nature and intelligence. —Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025

There is a down-to-earth realism about country music. —Dave Paulson, The Tennessean, 30 Dec. 2024

However, that kind of spacey wackiness plays better in the mini-franchise already known for out-there adventures rather than the one known for down-to-earth heists. —Christian Holub, EW.com, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

down-to-earth

adjective

ˌdau̇n-tə-ˈ(w)ərth

1

: practical sense 3

down-to-earth advice

2

: unpretentious

a down-to-earth person

down-to-earthness noun