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Uncannier Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ป
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uncannier

[สŒnหˆkรฆniษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

strange or eerie

The term 'uncannier' is the comparative form of 'uncanny', which refers to something that is strange, mysterious, or difficult to explain. It describes an experience or phenomenon that is unsettling or eerie, often due to its unusual nature. An 'uncannier' experience is one that surpasses previous encounters in terms of its eerie or mysterious qualities. It can relate to anything from art and literature to personal experiences that evoke a sense of the supernatural or bizarre.

Synonyms

more bizarre, more eerie, stranger.

Examples of usage

  • The film's uncannier moments left the audience in shock.
  • Her uncannier sense of intuition often amazed her friends.
  • He had an uncannier ability to predict the outcome of events.
  • The landscape became uncannier as the fog rolled in.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • The term is often used to describe feelings of discomfort or eeriness that arise when something appears familiar yet strange, a phenomenon known as 'the uncanny valley.'
  • Research shows that the feeling of the uncanny can trigger strong emotional responses, and it's often used in horror storytelling to build suspense.

Literature

  • The concept of the uncanny has been explored in literature, most famously in Sigmund Freud's essay 'The Uncanny,' where he discusses how familiar things can provoke fear.
  • Many horror writers use the idea of the uncanny to create tension, making everyday things feel threatening.

Pop Culture

  • In films and media, themes of the uncanny are explored in works like 'The Shining,' where the familiar setting of a hotel transforms into a source of horror.
  • Characters that embody this feeling often include doppelgรคngers or haunted dolls, creating a sense of discomfort in the audience.

Art

  • Artists like Salvador Dalรญ have used the idea of the uncanny in surreal paintings to provoke thought and discomfort, blending reality with dream-like qualities.
  • The uncanny has also influenced modern art movements, where familiar objects are presented in unusual contexts to challenge viewersโ€™ perceptions.

Origin of 'uncannier'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the root 'canny,' which originally meant clever or skilled, but took on a more eerie meaning over time.
  • The prefix 'un-' indicates negation, turning 'canny' into its opposite, suggesting something that is not just clever but has an unsettling quality.

The word 'uncanny' originates from the early 19th century, formed by combining the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not', with the word 'canny'. Initially, 'canny' meant shrewd or careful, derived from Scottish dialect, which hinted at being knowledgeable or prudent. Over time, 'uncanny' evolved to imply an unsettling quality, often associated with something that is not just odd or strange but invokes discomfort through its familiarity or eerie nature. 'Uncannier' serves to amplify this unsettling quality, comparing two experiences or subjects. The usage of the term has become widespread in literature and discussions surrounding psychology, especially in relation to phenomena that evoke feelings of unease or the supernatural.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,693, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.