un-
|un|
/ʌn-/
not; reverse/remove
Etymology
'un-' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'un-', where the prefix 'un-' meant 'not'.
'un-' changed from Proto-Germanic '*un-' into Old English 'un-' and eventually became the Modern English prefix 'un-'.
Initially, it meant 'not' or 'opposite', and over time its use broadened to include 'reverse an action' or 'remove', while retaining the primary sense of negation.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Particle 1
a negative prefix added to adjectives, adverbs, nouns, or verbs to mean 'not' or 'the opposite of' (e.g., unhappy = not happy).
Unhappy means not happy or sorrowful.
Synonyms
Particle 2
a prefix forming verbs that indicates reversal, removal, or undoing of an action (e.g., unlock = reverse the locking; unpack = remove from a package).
Unlock means to open or reverse the locking of something.
Synonyms
Particle 3
in some fixed words or historical forms it can indicate former state or removal in older senses, though this is less common (e.g., un- in archaic uses).
In some archaic uses, un- appeared in senses that differ from the standard negative or reversing meanings.
Last updated: 2025/12/17 01:53