unassumingly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unassumingly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is modest or not drawing attention to themselves. Example: "She unassumingly walked into the room, blending in with the crowd without seeking any attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was quietly, unassumingly, a shaper of history, and would have been again.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, this changing perspective comes far easier to those who have adapted themselves to their natural surroundings (a relative minority), than those who live unassumingly on the fringe of fire prone landscapes.

The Economist

Unassumingly, he often wondered why he had been asked to do it.

The Economist

Where Sahota's work is unassumingly powerful, the cumulative effect of the hardship and suffering his down-and-out characters struggle through a slow-build of heartbreak, Marlon James's A Brief History of Seven Killings (Oneworld) left me feeling battered and bruised like I'd been hit by a polyphonic patois hurricane.

Independent

A secret stash of Swissness, it has a population of 330, a bakery, a few cafés and an outdoor ice rink – unassumingly located on the edge of the largest linked domain in Switzerland.

Independent

The result is an unassumingly great movie, overflowing with the pungent behavior of Americans in jeopardy and at play.

The New Yorker

The first Argument, unassumingly titled "Argument #1" (left), was made in his studio in 1994; the most recent one, "Argument #3(b)" (right), was exhibited in a home in New York City, in 2008.

The New Yorker

The demonstrations started unassumingly on Wednesday, when students staged classroom strikes and sit-downs to protect the election plan.

The New Yorker

But I hadn't met a bishop before; and, from the example of the only bishop I'd ever observed, I hadn't thought it possible for someone of Moore's rank to behave so unassumingly.

The New Yorker

The small, cozy room has an unassumingly charming dive-bar atmosphere, complete with rusted Pepsi sign and light-up car bumper, as if we were back in Schaumburg.

The New Yorker

His priority, by all accounts, has always been to raise a family and nurture them as unassumingly as possible (again, for a Kennedy).

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unassumingly" to describe actions or qualities that are understated and without affectation. It adds a subtle nuance to descriptions of people, places, or things that possess a quiet, unassuming nature.

Common error

Avoid using "unassumingly" when describing actions or qualities that are intended to be forceful, ostentatious, or attention-seeking. The word conveys a sense of modesty and subtlety, which is contradictory to overt displays of power or grandeur.

Linguistic Context

The word "unassumingly" functions primarily as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe how an action is performed or a quality is exhibited. Ludwig AI confirms its role in adding nuance to descriptions, indicating a subtle and modest manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unassumingly" functions as an adverb used to describe something done in a modest and subtle manner, avoiding attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and sees frequent use in various contexts, particularly within news and media. When writing, remember that "unassumingly" shouldn't be used in situations requiring forceful or ostentatious descriptions. Alternatives like "modestly" or "humbly" can be used to highlight a lack of boastfulness or low self-importance. The prevalence of "unassumingly" in reputable sources underscores its usefulness in conveying a sense of understated elegance and quiet confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modestly

Emphasizes a lack of boastfulness or arrogance.

humbly

Highlights a sense of low self-importance and respect.

without pretension

Focuses on the absence of artificiality or affectation.

in a subdued manner

Highlights a quiet or restrained demeanor.

unobtrusively

Emphasizes avoiding attention or intrusion.

quietly

Focuses on a lack of noise or fanfare.

with reserve

Highlights a cautious or restrained approach.

without fanfare

Emphasizes the absence of elaborate display or celebration.

plainly

Highlights simplicity and lack of embellishment.

discreetly

Emphasizes acting in a way to avoid causing offense or attracting attention.

FAQs

How can I use "unassumingly" in a sentence?

You can use "unassumingly" to describe how someone acts in a modest way, for example, "He "unassumingly" accepted the award, giving credit to his team".

What's a good synonym for "unassumingly"?

A good synonym for "unassumingly" is "modestly", which also implies a lack of boastfulness or arrogance.

Is it correct to use "unassumingly" to describe a building?

Yes, you can use "unassumingly" to describe a building or place that doesn't draw much attention to itself. For example, "The restaurant was "unassumingly" located on a side street".

What is the difference between "unassumingly" and "humbly"?

"Unassumingly" focuses more on the manner of being subtle and not drawing attention, while "humbly" emphasizes a feeling of low self-importance or unworthiness.