down-to-earth

down-to-earth — adjective

1. describing someone who deals with situations in a realistic and straightforward

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describing someone who deals with situations in a realistic and straightforward way, and who treats other people warmly without formality or distance.

例句

Ravindra is a down-to-earth manager who listens to every team member's ideas.

be + down-to-earth + noun (person role)

The book gives down-to-earth advice on saving money without giving up what you enjoy.

down-to-earth + noun (advice)

同義詞
  • practical

    focuses on sensible thinking, without the 'friendly' component

  • sensible

    suggests good judgment but not necessarily warmth toward others

  • approachable

    emphasises ease of talking to the person; less about practicality

反義詞
  • impractical

    lacking sensible judgment; opposite of the practical aspect

  • aloof

    distant and unfriendly; opposite of the warm aspect

文法句型

down-to-earth + noun (person/approach/advice/style)

be + down-to-earth

用法筆記

Commonly describes people or their qualities — person, approach, attitude, advice, style. Less often used for objects or places directly; instead, it describes the feeling or atmosphere those things create.

常見錯誤

❌She is very down-to-earth and never listens to others.
✅She is very down-to-earth and always listens to others.
💡down-to-earth implies being approachable and reasonable, not dismissive or rude.

2. not trying to impress others with wealth, status, or achievements; modest in lif

2.形容詞B2
釋義

not trying to impress others with wealth, status, or achievements; modest in lifestyle, manner, or appearance.

例句

Despite being a famous singer, Yael remains down-to-earth and still shops at local markets.

remain + down-to-earth (contrast with high status)

The restaurant has a down-to-earth feel with mismatched chairs and handwritten menus.

同義詞
  • unpretentious

    more formal; same core meaning of not showing off

  • modest

    can mean humble in behaviour or small in scale

  • unassuming

    suggests the person does not draw attention to themselves

反義詞
  • pretentious

    trying to appear more important or cultured than one really is

  • showy

    deliberately attracting attention with displays of wealth or style

文法句型

remain/stay + down-to-earth

down-to-earth + noun (atmosphere/manner/person)

用法筆記

Often used in a contrast structure: despite having money/fame/status, the person is down-to-earth. This sense focuses on lack of pretension rather than practicality. It is less common than sense 1.

常見錯誤

❌The millionaire lives in a down-to-earth mansion with gold taps.
✅The millionaire lives in a down-to-earth house with simple furniture.
💡down-to-earth describes modest, unpretentious things, not luxury.