ENGLISH
REFERENCE

earthy

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɝθi// UK //ˈɜːθi// earthy

adj. describing something that looks, smells, or tastes like soil or nature. It can also describe a person who is very honest and direct about basic things in life.

adj. resembling or suggestive of earth or soil in appearance, aroma, or flavour; also describes a person or their manner as direct, uninhibited, and lacking in artificiality.


SIMPLE

The wine has a pleasant, earthy taste.

CONTEXTUAL

The artist used earthy tones like brown and deep green to capture the forest floor.

COMPLEX

Her earthy sense of humour and refusal to adopt social pretenses made her a refreshing, if occasionally blunt, presence in the corporate boardroom.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English erthy, equivalent to earth + -y. Compare German erdig (“earthy”), Swedish jordig (“earthy”).

Usage

Often used to describe sensory experiences like smell or taste, or to praise a person's grounded personality.

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