down-to-earth

adjective

ˈdau̇n-tü-ˈərth How to pronounce down-to-earth (audio)
Synonyms of down-to-earth
1
: practical
down-to-earth traveling tips
2
: unpretentious
surprised to find the movie star so down-to-earth
down-to-earthness noun

Synonyms of down-to-earth

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What Onslaught does remember to develop are the good guys, far less colorful than the villains but, in their down-to-earth relatability, no less compelling. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026 And despite her background, the Norwegian people found much to like about this statuesque blond woman with striking eyes and a ready smile, a down-to-earth manner and an undisguised love for Haakon. — Jan M. Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 King Harald will be remembered as the most down-to-earth and inclusive monarch in Europe. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 Gingham fabrics, especially for bedspreads or upholstered furniture, make a room feel more down-to-earth. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for down-to-earth

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of down-to-earth was in 1922

Browse Nearby Words

down-to-date
down-to-earth
Downtonian
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Cite this Entry

“Down-to-earth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/down-to-earth. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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