Literary notes about unobtrusive (AI summary)
In literature, the word “unobtrusive” is used to evoke a sense of quiet modesty or understated presence. It often describes characters whose demeanor is gentle and modest—for instance, a quiet scholar who does not seek the limelight ([1]) or a gentleman noted for his unassuming nature ([2], [3]). The term also appears in visual descriptions that emphasize subtlety, such as a tweed suit that quietly conceals strength ([4]) or an attire that, through its quiet tones, hints at refined elegance ([5], [6]). In addition, “unobtrusive” characterizes actions and behaviors that function in a reserved yet effective manner, whether it’s a guardian maintaining a respectful distance ([7]) or inquiries made with delicate persistence ([8]). Thus, the adjective enriches narratives by suggesting a restrained influence that, while never ostentatious, subtly shapes the atmosphere and character dynamics throughout the text.
- He was quiet, unobtrusive, and only a fair scholar according to the standard of the College authorities.
— from Ralph Waldo Emerson by Oliver Wendell Holmes - He was a meek, quiet, unobtrusive gentleman....
— from Our American Holidays: Lincoln's Birthday A Comprehensive View of Lincoln as Given in the Most Noteworthy Essays, Orations and Poems, in Fiction and in Lincoln's Own Writings - She saw only that he was quiet and unobtrusive, and she liked him for it.
— from Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen - So fine was he drawn that unless one looked closely he would never suspect the weight of bone and muscle that his unobtrusive tweed suit covered.
— from Astounding Stories, May, 1931 by Various - He wore a neat gray tropical worsted suit and an unobtrusive tie.
— from This is Klon Calling by Walter J. Sheldon - She was dressed in quiet colors, and wore her expensively unobtrusive toilet with a grace that might have come from years of practice.
— from The American by Henry James - After her piece he made his way up to her, and was her watchful, unobtrusive guardian for the rest of the afternoon.
— from Robert Elsmere by Ward, Humphry, Mrs. - Colonel Brandon's delicate, unobtrusive enquiries were never unwelcome to Miss Dashwood.
— from Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
