Unexamined Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unexamined

[หŒษ™nษชษกหˆzamษชnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

left without being analyzed or inspected

Not examined or inspected closely. Not subjected to a detailed examination or investigation.

Synonyms

uninspected, uninspected, uninvestigated.

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Word Description / Examples
unexamined

Used when something or someone has not been looked at closely or carefully. This term is often applied in academic or philosophical discussions.

  • The hypothesis remains unexamined, so we cannot draw any conclusions yet.
  • He lived an unexamined life, never questioning his actions or beliefs.
uninspected

Used when something has not been checked or reviewed, often in a regulatory or official capacity. Commonly used in contexts such as quality control, safety inspections, or official procedures.

  • The building was declared unsafe because it was uninspected for over ten years.
  • Food products should not be sold if they are uninspected by health authorities.
uninvestigated

Used when something has not been looked into to find out more information, often in the context of crime, research, or any situation requiring detailed information gathering.

  • The case was left uninvestigated due to lack of evidence.
  • Several leads remain uninvestigated in the missing person's case.

Examples of usage

  • The unexamined evidence was later found to be crucial to solving the case.
  • His unexamined assumptions led to a flawed conclusion.
  • The unexamined documents contained valuable information.
  • The unexamined car was later discovered to have mechanical issues.
  • Her unexamined feelings eventually led to conflict.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Philosopher Socrates famously said, 'The unexamined life is not worth living', emphasizing the importance of self-reflection.
  • The practice of examining oneโ€™s beliefs and values leads to better self-awareness and personal growth.
  • Existentialists argue that unexamined thoughts can lead to a lack of authenticity in oneโ€™s life choices.

Psychology

  • Cognitive biases often stem from unexamined beliefs, affecting decision-making and leading to mistakes.
  • In psychology, reflection on unexamined aspects can promote emotional health and resilience.
  • Unexamined thoughts can create cognitive dissonance, where conflicting beliefs cause mental discomfort.

Literature

  • Authors often explore themes of unexamined emotions in characters to illustrate personal conflicts.
  • Classic literature, such as Shakespeare's works, often portrays the consequences of ignorance and lack of self-reflection.
  • Modern novels frequently tackle the journey from unexamined to examined life, highlighting transformation.

Education

  • Encouraging students to question unexamined assumptions fosters critical thinking skills.
  • Curricula that challenge unexamined societal norms prepare students for a more nuanced understanding of the world.
  • Teachers often prompt discussions to help students explore unexamined topics, enhancing their learning experience.

Origin of 'unexamined'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'un-' indicates the opposite, suggesting something has not been examined.
  • Originates from the Latin verb 'examinare', meaning to weigh or inspect, evolving through Old French.
  • In English, the concept of examining dates back to the 14th century, often referring to studies or investigations.

The word 'unexamined' dates back to the mid-16th century, derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the past participle of the verb 'examine'. It has been used in English literature and language to describe things that have not been closely analyzed or inspected. The concept of leaving things unexamined has been a recurring theme in philosophical discussions about knowledge and understanding.


See also: examinable, examination, examine, reexamination, reexamine.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,812, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.