unless etymology

Etymology

The word "unless" is derived from Middle English "onlesse," which is itself a combination of the Middle English words "on" (meaning "if") and "lesse" (meaning "less").

Meaning

Unless means "except if" or "if not." It is used to introduce a condition that must be met for something else to happen.

Origin

The word "unless" has been in use in English since the 14th century. It is thought to have originated from the legal language of the time, where it was used to introduce exceptions to a general rule.

unless relate terms

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  Etymology Origin Middle English as an adverb from lesse less es Meaning

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• less

  Etymology Origin Middle English as an adverb from lesse less es Meaning

• unless

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• electrocution

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• midge

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• crocus

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• address

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• hero

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• emphasis

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