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Unbowed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ช
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unbowed

[สŒnหˆbaสŠd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

proud and determined

Not willing to yield or surrender; proud and determined.

Synonyms

resolute, undaunted, unyielding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unbowed

Describes someone who remains strong and unchanged in their beliefs and actions, despite adversity or pressure.

  • She remained unbowed in her convictions, even in the face of fierce criticism
unyielding

Describes a person who refuses to give way under pressure or change their stance or opinion, can have a negative connotation when implying stubbornness.

  • Her unyielding stance on the matter made negotiations very difficult
resolute

Refers to a person showing a firm determination or unwavering focus on achieving a goal.

  • He was resolute in his decision to complete the marathon, no matter how tough it got
undaunted

Indicates someone who is not discouraged by danger or difficulty, showing courage and confidence.

  • Despite the stormy weather, the hikers set out on their journey undaunted

Examples of usage

  • She stood unbowed in the face of adversity.
  • He remained unbowed despite the challenges.
Context #2 | Adverb

In a manner that shows defiance or determination.

Synonyms

defiantly, determinedly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unbowed

This entry seems to be a duplication. However, the same explanation applies: Use 'unbowed' to describe someone who remains strong and unyielding despite challenges or hardships.

  • You need to stay unbowed in the face of adversity.
  • The nation remained unbowed after the natural disaster.
defiantly

This word is best suited for situations where someone is openly resisting or challenging authority, rules, or norms. It has a rebellious and confrontational connotation.

  • She spoke out defiantly against the unjust policies.
  • He stood defiantly in front of the police, refusing to back down.
determinedly

This word is used to describe actions or attitudes that show a strong sense of determination and resolve. It conveys a sense of focus and persistence.

  • She worked determinedly to finish her project before the deadline.
  • He pursued his goals determinedly, never letting setbacks stop him.

Examples of usage

  • He faced the criticism unbowed.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Famous works often celebrate unbowed characters who triumph over adversity, like in Maya Angelouโ€™s poem 'Still I Rise.'
  • In J.R.R. Tolkienโ€™s 'The Lord of the Rings,' characters like Aragorn express unbowed courage against overwhelming odds.
  • Many historical novels feature protagonists who remain unbowed in the face of societal oppression and injustice.

Psychology

  • Remaining unbowed can be linked to resilience, a key factor in overcoming challenges and stress.
  • Psychological studies indicate that maintaining an unbowed mindset enhances problem-solving abilities and emotional well-being.
  • Having a growth mindset contributes to being unbowed, as it encourages viewing setbacks as opportunities for learning.

Pop Culture

  • Numerous films depict unbowed heroes, such as 'The Pursuit of Happyness,' inspiring viewers with true stories of resilience.
  • Musicians often write songs about being unbowed, expressing themes of strength and perseverance against struggles.
  • In sports, many athletes embody the spirit of being unbowed, showcasing determination in the face of defeat.

Origin of 'unbowed'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'un-' means 'not,' so 'unbowed' translates literally to 'not bent or bowed down.'
  • The word 'bow' comes from Old English 'bลซgan,' meaning to bend or to curve.
  • Staying unbowed has roots in literature, often associated with defiance and resilience.

The word 'unbowed' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'bowed' which comes from the Old English 'bลซgan' meaning 'to bend'. The term has been used since the early 17th century to describe someone who is unwilling to yield or surrender.

See also: bough, bow, bowed, bowgun, bowing, longbow.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,407, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.