unread
|un-read|
/ˌʌnˈriːd/
not read / mark as unread
Etymology
'unread' is formed from the negative prefix 'un-' (Old English 'un-') + the verb 'read' (from Old English 'rǣdan'/'rēad' meaning 'to read/interpret').
'unread' appeared in Middle English as forms like 'unred'/'unnead' (un- + past/p.p. form of 'read') and developed into the modern English spelling 'unread'.
Originally a straightforward negative formation meaning 'not read'; this basic meaning has been retained, with an additional verbal sense developing in modern usage meaning 'to mark as unread'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to mark (something) as not read; to change the status of an item (such as an email or notification) so it appears as unread.
She unread the email by mistake.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/13 09:10