Unassuming

Adjective

Definition: Not pretentious or arrogant; modest.

Synonyms: Humble, Modest, Unpretentious

Antonyms: Arrogant, Pretentious, Showy

Examples:
  • She was unassuming and never sought attention.
  • Despite his success, he remained unassuming and down-to-earth.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of someone who is unassuming as being humble and modest, which starts with the same letter 'u'.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word 'unassuming' is derived from the verb 'assume' with the prefix 'un-' added to indicate negation.

Historical Usage:

The exact origins and historical usage of 'unassuming' are unclear, but its usage to describe someone modest and not pretentious dates back to at least the early 19th century.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

None

Explanation:

'Unassuming' means the opposite of 'assuming'. It is important to understand that 'unassuming' refers to someone who is modest and not making assumptions, while 'assuming' refers to someone who is presumptuous or making assumptions without evidence.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing 'unassuming' with 'assuming'.

Explanation:

'Unassuming' means the opposite of 'assuming'. It is important to understand that 'unassuming' refers to someone who is modest and not making assumptions, while 'assuming' refers to someone who is presumptuous or making assumptions without evidence.

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