Uninvited: meaning, definitions and examples

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uninvited

 

[ˌʌnɪnˈvaɪtɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Not invited or requested; not welcome.

Synonyms

unasked, unwanted, unwelcome.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uninvited

When someone or something appears without receiving an invitation, often in situations like parties, meetings, or events.

  • She showed up at the party uninvited.
  • An uninvited guest arrived at the wedding.
unwelcome

When someone or something is not greeted with warmth or hospitality, often implying discomfort or hostility.

  • She felt unwelcome among her new colleagues.
  • Their criticism made him feel unwelcome in the group.
unasked

When advice, opinions, or help is provided without anyone requesting it. This often has a sense of intrusion.

  • He gave unasked advice during the meeting.
  • Her unasked suggestions made everyone uncomfortable.
unwanted

Describing something or someone that is not desired or is considered bothersome. This can apply to various situations, such as items, people, or actions.

  • He received unwanted emails every day.
  • The stray dog was an unwanted presence in the neighborhood.

Examples of usage

  • She felt uninvited to the party.
  • He showed up uninvited at her house.
  • The uninvited guest made everyone uncomfortable.
Context #2 | Adjective

presence

Present without being invited or requested.

Synonyms

unasked, unwanted, unwelcome.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uninvited

This word is used when someone arrives or participates in an event without being formally invited. It can sometimes have a negative connotation.

  • The uninvited guest caused quite a stir at the wedding
  • He came to the party uninvited
unwelcome

Use this word when someone or something is not greeted or received with enthusiasm or friendliness. It implies a strong negative feeling.

  • She felt unwelcome at the gathering
  • His unwelcome remarks made everyone uncomfortable
unasked

This word applies when something is done or said without being requested. It often emphasizes that no one asked for the action or opinion.

  • Her unasked advice was not well received
  • He jumped in with unasked comments during the meeting
unwanted

This word is suitable for describing something or someone who is not desired or is seen as a burden. It carries a negative tone.

  • The unwanted gift was returned to the store
  • The cat felt unwanted after the dog arrived

Examples of usage

  • The uninvited guests crashed the wedding.
  • They were uninvited but decided to stay.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'uninvited' is formed by adding the prefix 'un-' to 'invited', meaning not asked to come.
  • The root 'invite' comes from the Latin word 'invitatio', meaning to call or summon someone.
  • The concept of being uninvited has existed in literature since at least the 16th century, reflecting social attitudes towards guests.

Pop Culture

  • The term has been widely used in songs, movies, and books, often to symbolize feelings of exclusion or surprise.
  • One notable example is the Disney film 'The Princess and the Frog', where uninvited guests play a key role in the story’s conflict.
  • Reality TV shows often feature uninvited guests to create drama and tension between the main characters.

Psychology

  • Being uninvited can evoke feelings of rejection and isolation, impacting mental health and social standing.
  • Studies indicate that people often feel vulnerable or awkward when others are uninvited, heightening the social pressure in groups.
  • The psychological concept of 'scarcity' suggests that uninvited situations can heighten the perceived value of social gatherings.

Literature

  • Authors often use the theme of uninvited characters to explore social dynamics and interpersonal conflicts.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, uninvited characters often lead to comedic or tragic misunderstandings, such as in 'Twelfth Night'.
  • Many horror stories use the idea of uninvited entities (like ghosts or monsters) to create suspense and fear.

Translations

Translations of the word "uninvited" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não convidado

🇮🇳 बिन बुलाया

🇩🇪 ungebeten

🇮🇩 tidak diundang

🇺🇦 незапрошений

🇵🇱 niezaproszony

🇯🇵 招かれない

🇫🇷 non invité

🇪🇸 no invitado

🇹🇷 davet edilmemiş

🇰🇷 초대받지 않은

🇸🇦 غير مدعو

🇨🇿 nepozvaný

🇸🇰 nepozvaný

🇨🇳 未受邀

🇸🇮 nepovabljen

🇮🇸 óboðinn

🇰🇿 шақырылмаған

🇬🇪 მოუწვეველი

🇦🇿 dəvət olunmamış

🇲🇽 no invitado

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,799, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.