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

Plans for a sequel are already underway, along with further collaborations including global ocean trusts, bridging the gap between meaningful topics and down-to-earth eco-conscious actions. —Kevin Giraud, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026

Those aren’t down-to-earth things. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 5 Mar. 2026

But the most welcome voice in the film is that of Linda, straightforward and down-to-earth. —Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 25 Feb. 2026

At a different law school event the previous year, Roberts revealed a more down-to-earth reason why his predecessor – Chief Justice William Rehnquist − skipped one of President Ronald Reagan’s addresses. —Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026

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