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 of down-to-earth

• humble
• meek
• modest

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

Her age is a few thousand, showcasing the down-to-earth demeanor that aligns her with Virgo, the astrological component that makes her chill and understanding (aside from being over two thousand years old). — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026

But the concerns of Eternals are also loftier and more cosmic than Marvel’s typically down-to-earth storytelling. — Ew Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026

Elsewhere in the interview, Anstead, 47, gushed about his girlfriend of five years and praised her down-to-earth qualities. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 29 July 2026

This down-to-earth table keeps its shelving directly on the floor, which is an unexpected way to add decorative accents or a row of storage baskets and bins to a foyer. — Nora Taylor, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2026

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