unwonted

American  

[uhn-wawn-tid, -wohn-, -wuhn-] / ʌnˈwɔn tɪd, -ˈwoʊn-, -ˈwʌn- /

adjective

1. not customary or usual; rare.

   unwonted kindness.

2. Archaic. unaccustomed or unused.

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unwonted British  

/ ʌnˈwəʊntɪd /

adjective

1. out of the ordinary; unusual

2. archaic (usually foll by to) unaccustomed; unused

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Other Word Forms

• unwontedly
  adverb
• unwontedness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of unwonted

First recorded in 1545–55; un- ¹ + wonted

Explanation

Unwonted is a pretty old-fashioned word now, meaning something unusual or out of the ordinary. Nowadays, unwonted is a pretty unwonted word itself. Unwonted was once a particularly beloved literary term, favored by authors like Henry James and Charles Dickens, whose books were filled with "unwonted circumstances," and the like. Not to be confused — as it often is — with unwanted, meaning not wanted or desired. The confusion arises not just because the words sound identical, but because their meanings overlap: it's a safe bet that anything unwonted is generally unwanted, too.

Example Sentences

Unwonted excitement was visible on almost every face.

From The Island Queen by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

Yet lags the Chief in musing mind, Unwonted sight, his men behind.

From The Lady of the Lake by Scott, Walter, Sir

But, hark! along the forest way Unwonted echoes rung, And all accoutred for the fray A band of warriors sprung!

From In the Saddle A Collection of Poems on Horseback-Riding by Various

Unwonted beauty smiles On its pure bosom, on each bright-eyed flower, On every nymph, and twenty sate around, Lo! ’twas Diana—from the sultry hour Hither she fled, nor fear’d she sight or sound.

From Imaginary Conversations and Poems A Selection by Landor, Walter Savage

Unwonted silence reigned in the house, the members spoke in whispers, and the ordinary business was transacted with celerity and quietness.

From The Last Man by Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft