Unobtrusive

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /ˌʌn.əbˈtruː.sɪv/

Definitions of unobtrusive

adjective Not conspicuous or attracting attention; inconspicuous.

Example Sentences

A1 The unobtrusive waiter quietly refilled our water glasses.

A2 She preferred to wear unobtrusive colors like grey and beige.

B1 The security cameras were strategically placed in unobtrusive locations throughout the building.

B2 The designer chose unobtrusive fonts for the website to ensure readability.

C1 The unobtrusive background music added to the ambiance of the restaurant without overpowering conversation.

C2 The artist's use of unobtrusive brush strokes created a sense of tranquility in the painting.

Examples of unobtrusive in a Sentence

formal The unobtrusive design of the new building blends seamlessly with the surrounding architecture.

informal I appreciate how unobtrusive the waiter was during our meal, never interrupting our conversation.

slang I like how the security guard was unobtrusive, just chillin' in the corner and not bothering anyone.

figurative Her unobtrusive presence at the party went unnoticed by most, but she was quietly observing everything happening around her.

Grammatical Forms of unobtrusive

past tense

unobtrusively

plural

unobtrusives

comparative

more unobtrusive

superlative

most unobtrusive

present tense

unobtrusively

future tense

will be unobtrusive

perfect tense

has been unobtrusive

continuous tense

is being unobtrusive

singular

unobtrusive

positive degree

unobtrusive

infinitive

to be unobtrusive

gerund

unobtrusively

participle

unobtrusive

Origin and Evolution of unobtrusive

First Known Use: 1711 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'unobtrusive' originated from the Latin word 'obtrudere' which means 'to thrust upon'. The prefix 'un-' was added to create the opposite meaning of not thrusting upon or not imposing.
Evolution of the word: Over time, 'unobtrusive' has maintained its original meaning of not attracting attention or causing disturbance. It is commonly used in contexts where something is subtle, inconspicuous, or discreet.