UNWRITTEN Meaning and
Definition
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The term "unwritten" refers to something that has not been formally documented or recorded in written form, typically referring to rules, laws, customs, or traditions. It encompasses knowledge, principles, or guidelines that are passed down from generation to generation through word of mouth, observation, or practice, rather than being explicitly written down.
In the context of unwritten rules or laws, they are often understood and accepted by a community or society as governing principles, even though they are not formally documented in any legal code. These unwritten rules might stem from cultural norms, societal expectations, or common understandings, and they play a significant role in shaping behavior, interactions, and values within a particular group.
Moreover, the term "unwritten" can also refer to information or knowledge that is passed down through oral tradition or personal experience, rather than through written texts or formal education. This can involve forms of storytelling, folktales, proverbs, or myths that serve as a means of transmitting wisdom, historical accounts, or cultural insights.
The concept of the "unwritten" is essential in understanding the intangible aspects of human societies, as it highlights the influence of informal knowledge, practices, and understandings that contribute to the fabric of a community's shared beliefs and behaviors.
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Not reduced to writing; verbal; blank.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for UNWRITTEN *
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Other Common Misspellings for UNWRITTEN
Etymology of UNWRITTEN
The word "unwritten" is derived from combining the prefix "un-" meaning "not" or "lack of", and the past participle of the verb "write". The Old English roots of "write" are "writan" or "wrītan", which ultimately goes back to the Proto-Germanic word "writaną". This word evolved from the Proto-Indo-European base "wer-" meaning "to scratch" or "to carve". Over time, "wrītan" developed into "write" in Middle English, and "unwritten" emerged as a compound word around the 15th century.
Idioms with the word UNWRITTEN
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unwritten law
The idiom "unwritten law" refers to a rule or principle that is widely understood and followed, but is not formally written down or codified. It is typically based on cultural or social norms, customs, or traditions that are considered universally accepted or morally binding. These unwritten laws often govern behavior, expectations, or standards within a community or society, and may be regarded as conventional wisdom or common sense.
Similar spelling words for UNWRITTEN
