un-

¹

1. a prefix meaning “not,” freely used as an English formative, giving negative or opposite force in adjectives and their derivative adverbs and nouns ( unfair; unfairly; unfairness; unfelt; unseen; unfitting; unformed; unheard-of; un-get-at-able ), and less freely used in certain other nouns ( unrest; unemployment ).

un-

²

1. a prefix freely used in English to form verbs expressing a reversal of some action or state, or removal, deprivation, release, etc. ( unbend; uncork; unfasten , etc.), or to intensify the force of a verb already having such a meaning ( unloose ).

un

³

or 'un

[ uhn ]

pronoun

, Dialect.

1. one:

   young uns; He's a bad un.

UN

⁴

or U.N.

abbreviation for

1. United Nations ( def 1 ).

un-

¹

prefix forming verbs and verbal derivatives

1. denoting reversal of an action or state

   uncover

   untangle

2. denoting removal from, release, or deprivation

   unharness

   unthrone

   unman

3. (intensifier)

   unloose

un-

²

prefix

1. freely used with adjectives, participles, and their derivative adverbs and nouns: less frequently used with certain other nouns not; contrary to; opposite of

   untidiness

   uncertain

   unrest

   unbelief

   unemotionally

   uncomplaining

   untruth

UN

³

abbreviation for

1. United Nations

'un

⁴

/ ən /

pronoun

1. a spelling of one

   that's a big 'un

Usage

This spelling is intended to reflect a dialectal or informal pronunciation

Word History and Origins

Origin of un-¹

Middle English un-, on-, Old English; cognate with Dutch on-, Gothic, German un-, Old Norse ū-, ō-; akin to Latin in-, Greek an-, a-. See a- ⁶, an- ¹, in- ³

Origin of un-²

Middle English, Old English un-, on-; cognate with Gothic and-, Dutch ont-, German ent-; akin to Latin ante, Greek antí; ante-, anti-

Word History and Origins

Origin of un-¹

from Old English un-, on-; related to Gothic and-, German ent-, Latin ante

Origin of un-²

from Old English on-, un-; related to Gothic on-, German un-, Latin in-

Synonym Study

See in- ³.

Example Sentences

It was a coming-out story of sorts told with self-effacing un-sentimentality.

From The Daily Beast

Of course, Kim Jong-Un takes an image hit as a Katy Perry-obsessed, margarita-drinking maniac with daddy issues.

From The Daily Beast

“They humanized [Kim Jong-Un] quite a bit,” David Brand, 32, said following the show.

From The Daily Beast

And finally, they meet Un (Randall Park), who appears to be nothing but genial and fun-loving—especially to Dave.

From The Daily Beast

The report builds on a recent UN report documenting the high economic costs worldwide of domestic violence.

From The Daily Beast

Estimez un peu que c'est du reste du symbole et fondemens chrestiens.

From Project Gutenberg

En effet un soir, sa femme et enfans l'abandonnerent entierement, et s'en allerent cabaner ailleurs, pensant que c'en estoit vuid.

From Project Gutenberg

Le lendemain matin, un coup de vent l'emporta tout seul dehors de la chaloupe dans les vagues, et jamais depuis, n'est apparu.

From Project Gutenberg

C'est asss demeur la maison; sortons un peu dehors, comme nous avons promis de faire, et racontons ce qui s'est pass par le pays.

From Project Gutenberg

Mais, dpartans un peu de pense d'avec eux, comme nous fismes lors de presence, continuons nostre route et voyage.

From Project Gutenberg