unwanted etymology

Etymology

Unwanted:

  • Old English: "unwæned"
  • Proto-Germanic: "*unwēndiz"
  • Proto-Indo-European: "*wenh₁-" ("to desire, wish")

Meaning and Origin

The word "unwanted" is an adjective that originally meant "not desired or wished for." It is formed from the Old English prefix "un-" (meaning "not") and the word "wæned" (meaning "desired"). The word "wæned" is derived from the Proto-Germanic root "unwēndiz," which itself is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "wenh₁-." This root also gave rise to the English words "wish" and "want."

Over time, the meaning of "unwanted" shifted to refer to something that is not desired or accepted. This can refer to material possessions, people, or even ideas. In the context of unwanted pregnancy, the term refers to a pregnancy that is not desired by the person who is pregnant.

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