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

The service As polished as the gleaming white-and-grey marble everywhere, and more down-to-earth than the lavish décor might suggest. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026

Zishona Spears, Johnson’s sister, remembered her brother as cool and down-to-earth. —Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026

Thus, Calistoga was born, and the town has maintained its down-to-earth atmosphere and warmth ever since. —Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2026

What may shock you is just how down-to-earth most of these cameras have been, with some cameras dating back to 2016! —Jase Parnell-Brookes, Space.com, 10 Apr. 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