Undue Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
⛔
undue
[ʌnˈduː ]
Definitions
excessive
not necessary or appropriate; more than is reasonable or expected
Synonyms
excessive, inordinate, unjustified, unwarranted.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| undue |
Used when something is more than necessary or inappropriate for the situation.
|
| excessive |
Used when describing something that is too much or beyond what is reasonable.
|
| unwarranted |
Refers to actions or feelings that are not justified or authorized and often has a negative connotation.
|
| inordinate |
Refers to an amount that is unusually or disproportionately large.
|
| unjustified |
Used when something lacks a good reason or basis and often carries a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- She was fired for making undue demands on her colleagues.
- He faced undue pressure from his boss to work overtime.
unfair
not fair, right, or acceptable
Synonyms
biased, discriminatory, unfair, unjust.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| undue |
Use this word again to describe something that is unnecessary or excessive, often in a negative sense.
|
| unfair |
Use this word to describe situations where treatment is not just, not right, or not deserving.
|
| unjust |
Use this word to describe actions or situations that are morally wrong or not fair. It can be used with strong emotional undertones.
|
| discriminatory |
Use this word when referring to actions or policies that unfairly treat one person or group differently from others. This word generally has a negative connotation.
|
| biased |
Use this word to refer to a judgment or opinion that is unfairly influenced by personal feelings or opinions.
|
Examples of usage
- The judge ruled that the search was conducted under undue influence.
- She feels that she's been the victim of undue criticism.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In legal situations, something that is described as undue often refers to actions or influences that are inappropriate or not justified.
- The principle of undue influence is common in contract law, where one party takes advantage of their position over another.
- Courts often assess whether claims are based on undue pressure when determining the validity of agreements.
Social Issues
- In discussions about equality, undue discrimination refers to treatment that's excessively unfair based on race, gender, or other characteristics.
- Undue influence is a recognized concern in relationships, where one person may manipulate another for personal gain.
- Society often debates what constitutes undue hardship when discussing rights and responsibilities in various contexts.
Psychology
- The concept of undue anxiety describes feelings that are excessive or disproportionate to a situation.
- In therapy, addressing undue pressure a person feels can help improve mental well-being.
- Understanding the impact of undue stress can lead to healthier coping mechanisms and promote resilience.
Cultural Relevance
- In literature, undue obstacles often lead characters to transformation, highlighting the importance of overcoming excessive challenges.
- Cinema frequently portrays relationships impacted by undue burdens, emphasizing the tension these create in narratives.
- In art, discussions about undue distortion can relate to how reality is perceived or presented, impacting audience understanding.
Origin of 'undue'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Middle English, combining 'undue' which means 'not owed' or 'not deserved'.
- Originally drawn from the Latin word 'inductus', meaning 'unwarranted' or 'not due'.
- The term has evolved through languages but kept the core meaning of something unwarranted or excessive.
The word 'undue' originated from Middle English 'undew', meaning 'inadequate'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in the English language to describe something that is excessive or unfair. The concept of 'undue influence' has been a key legal term, referring to improper pressure or persuasion that goes beyond what is reasonable.