unobtrusively — in a way that is not conspicuous or attracting attention; discreetly
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: in a way that is not conspicuous or attracting attention; discreetly
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌʌnəbˈtruːsɪvli/
Example Sentences
- The waiter served the celebrity couple unobtrusively, pretending not to recognize them.
- My cat thinks he's hunting unobtrusively, but his bright orange fur makes him about as subtle as a traffic cone.
- The microphone was positioned unobtrusively behind the flower arrangement.
unobtrusively
ADVERB[/ˌʌnəbˈtruːsɪvli/]
in a way that is not conspicuous or attracting attention; discreetly
The waiter refilled the water glasses unobtrusively while the couple kept talking.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin obtrudere, meaning 'to thrust forward' or 'to push upon', with the prefix un- negating the action. The word evolved to mean 'not obtrusive; unobservable; inconspicuous', describing something that does not thrust itself forward or demand attention.
Breakdown
un- (not) + obtrudere (to thrust forward, from ob- 'toward' + trudere 'to push') + -ive (adjective-forming suffix) + -ly (adverb-forming suffix), creating an adverb meaning 'in an unobtrusive manner'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The waiter served the celebrity couple unobtrusively, pretending not to recognize them.”
“My cat thinks he's hunting unobtrusively, but his bright orange fur makes him about as subtle as a traffic cone.”
“The microphone was positioned unobtrusively behind the flower arrangement.”
“She tried to check her phone unobtrusively during the boring meeting, but the bright screen gave her away.”
📚Related Words
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