unkempt
|un/kempt|
B2
/ʌnˈkɛmpt/
untidy appearance
Etymology
Etymology Information
'unkempt' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'uncemmed,' where 'un-' meant 'not' and 'kempt' meant 'combed.'
Historical Evolution
'uncemmed' transformed into the modern English word 'unkempt' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'not combed,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having an untidy or disheveled appearance.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45