unassuming
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unassuming
Outwardly inconspicuous, simple, or modest in appearance, so that the person or thing is easy to overlook. It often implies that the true value or true significance is not immediately recognizable.
Hinter der unscheinbaren Fassade des Hauses verbarg sich eine luxuriöse Wohnung.
Behind the unassuming facade of the house was a luxurious apartment.
The word is made up of 'un-' (not), 'Schein' (appearance, shine), and the ending '-bar' (-able). Literally, it therefore means something like 'not shining' or 'without a noticeable appearance'. This explains the meaning 'unauffällig' (inconspicuous).
Er trug einen unscheinbaren grauen Mantel.
He wore an unassuming gray coat.
'Unscheinbar' (unassuming) is often used to emphasize a contrast between a simple exterior and a surprising, valuable interior. The sentence often suggests that something special is hidden behind the inconspicuous surface.
Der unscheinbare Mann entpuppte sich als weltberühmter Musiker.
The unassuming man turned out to be a world-famous musician.
The adjective often describes the outward appearance of people or things. Typical combinations are: an unassuming person, an unassuming building, an unassuming exterior, or an unassuming plant.
In dem unscheinbaren Gebäude befindet sich ein exzellentes Restaurant.
There is an excellent restaurant in the unassuming building.
invisible
When something is easily overlooked, unsichtbar and unscheinbar can seem similar. Unsichtbar refers here figuratively to the absence of perception, while unscheinbar describes an outwardly inconspicuous or plain appearance. If something cannot actually be seen, unsichtbar fits; if it merely attracts little attention, unscheinbar is the better choice.
Der kleine Fehler stand in einer unscheinbaren grauen Zeile.
The small error appeared in an inconspicuous gray line.
Der kleine Fehler blieb für die Prüfer unsichtbar.
The small error remained invisible to the examiners.
