Uncaptured: meaning, definitions and examples

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uncaptured

 

[ ʌnˈkæptʃərd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

not taken

Uncaptured refers to something that has not been seized or taken into custody. This can apply to physical entities, such as wildlife that has not been trapped, or abstract concepts, like desires or emotions that remain unexpressed.

Synonyms

free, unapprehended, untamed

Examples of usage

  • The uncaptured animals roam freely in the forest.
  • His uncaptured dreams inspired him to pursue his passions.
  • The scientist was studying species that remained largely uncaptured in the wild.

Etymology

The term 'uncaptured' is derived from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', and the verb 'capture', which originated from the Latin word 'captura', meaning 'a taking'. 'Capture' dates back to the early 15th century in English, indicating the act of taking or gaining possession of something. The prefix 'un-' has been used with verbs for centuries to create the opposite meaning, effectively turning 'capture' into 'not captured'. This word is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, emphasizing absence from seizure or control, whether referring to wildlife, feelings, or concepts. Its usage reflects an ongoing relationship with freedom and possession throughout history.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,635, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.