unseemly
|un/ seem/ ly|
C1
/ʌnˈsiːmli/
inappropriate
Etymology
Etymology Information
'unseemly' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'unsemlīc', where 'un-' meant 'not' and 'semlīc' meant 'fitting or proper'.
Historical Evolution
'unsemlīc' transformed into the Middle English word 'unsemely', and eventually became the modern English word 'unseemly'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'not fitting or proper', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not proper or appropriate for the situation; inappropriate or indecent.
His unseemly behavior at the dinner party shocked everyone.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adverb 1
in a manner that is not proper or appropriate.
She laughed unseemly during the solemn ceremony.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41