un
|un|
/juːˈɛn/
not; United Nations
Etymology
'UN' originates from English, specifically as an abbreviation of the phrase 'United Nations' (coined 1945). 'un' (the negative prefix) originates from Old English 'un-' and ultimately from Proto-Germanic '*un-' (a negative prefix).
'UN' developed by shortening the modern English phrase 'United Nations' after the organization's founding in 1945. The negative prefix 'un-' was present in Old English as 'un-' (unchanged in form) coming from Proto-Germanic *un- and continuing into Middle and Modern English.
'UN' has retained its meaning as the abbreviation for 'United Nations' since its coinage. The prefix 'un-' originally meant 'not' or 'the opposite of' and has largely retained that negative or reversing meaning into modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
abbreviation for the United Nations, an international organization established in 1945 to promote international cooperation and maintain peace and security.
The UN held an emergency meeting.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/11 23:25