unfair etymology

Etymology

un- (prefix): not, opposite of fair (adjective): just, equitable, honorable

Meaning

Unfair means not fair, unjust, or inequitable. It implies a lack of fairness and impartiality, often resulting in harm or disadvantage to one or more parties involved.

Origin

The word "unfair" has been in use since around the 12th century, derived from the Old English words "un" and "fæger," meaning "not" and "beautiful" or "pleasing," respectively. Over time, the meaning of "fair" shifted from physical beauty to include concepts of justice, fairness, and equity. As a result, "unfair" came to signify the antithesis of these desirable qualities.

unfair relate terms

• fair

  Etymology The word fair originates from the Old English word fæger meaning beauti

• foul

  Etymology The word foul has Old Germanic roots Anglo Saxon fūl Old Norse fúll Ol

• unfairness

  Etymology The word unfairness is derived from two Old English words un prefix m

• unfair

  Etymology un prefix not opposite of fair adjective just equitable honorable Me

• belt

  Etymology Old English belt Proto Germanic belti Proto Indo European bhel m

• shaft

  Etymology Middle English schafte schafte from Old English sceaft sceaft shaft of

• cheap

  Etymology The word cheap originates from the Old English word cēap meaning buy or

• special

  Special Etymology Etymology refers to the study of the origin of words Special etymology

• malignant

  Etymology From Middle English malignant from Late Latin malignāns harmful mischiev

• obvious

  Obvious Etymology Middle English obviouse from Latin obvius meaning in the way

• clean

  Etymology The word clean comes from the Middle English word clene which is derived f

• grave

  Etymology The word grave has its roots in the Latin word gravis which means heavy

• breach

  Etymology Old French breche from Late Latin brecha from Celtic of unknown origin M