un-
/ʌn-/ (bre, ipa) · /ʌn-/ (ame, ipa)
un- — prefix
1. placed at the start of many words to give a meaning like 'not', 'without', or th
placed at the start of many words to give a meaning like 'not', 'without', or the reverse quality of the original word.
The players thought the late penalty was unfair to the home side.
un- + adjective: unfair = not fair
After one short reply, Amira felt unsure about asking again.
The museum added arrows because the old sign was unclear.
Ezra grew uneasy when footsteps stopped outside his hotel door.
文法句型
un- + adjective (unfair)
un- + adjective (unclear)
un- + noun (uncertainty)
用法筆記
Most often attached to common adjectives to form everyday opposites such as unfair and unclear. It can also appear in nouns and adverbs, but the adjective pattern is the one learners meet most often.
常見錯誤
2. placed before some verbs to mean doing the action in reverse, opening something,
placed before some verbs to mean doing the action in reverse, opening something, or taking something off or out.
Rafael knelt to untie the wet rope around the canoe.
un- + verb: untie = reverse the action
At security, Yumi had to unpack her bag for a second check.
un- + verb: unpack = take things out
The nurse helped Christopher unwrap the bandage from his burned wrist.
Gabriel unloaded the speakers from the van before the concert.
文法句型
un- + verb (untie)
un- + verb (unpack)
un- + verb (unwrap)
用法筆記
Usually joins verbs about fastening, packing, covering, or loading. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense changes an action, not just the meaning of an adjective or noun.