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

Fans of shows like Southland and The Wire will enjoy this gritty, down-to-earth procedural. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

These over-the-top moments are punctuated by Perry’s more down-to-earth direct interactions with fans, such as inviting four audience members up on stage. —Courtney Lane, Kansas City Star, 11 May 2025

The most decent and down-to-earth celebrity to eat in my restaurants is Woody Allen. —Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025

Vera Ribeiro, who was visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral from Brazil, had more down-to-earth expectations of the first American Pope. —Sheetal Banchariya, New York Daily News, 8 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for down-to-earth

• afterbirth
• berth
• birth
• dearth
• earth
• firth
• girth
• mirth
• worth
• childbirth
• rebirth
• stillbirth

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