Unquestioning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿคทโ€โ™‚๏ธ
Add to dictionary

unquestioning

[สŒnหˆkwษ›sสงษ™nษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

lack of doubt

Unquestioning refers to a state of acceptance or belief without any doubt or hesitation. This term is often used to describe a person's attitude or behavior towards authority, rules, or beliefs. An unquestioning individual may follow instructions or adhere to principles without critical evaluation. In many cases, this can be seen as positive, demonstrating loyalty or faith, but it may also suggest a lack of independent thought.

Synonyms

blind, implicit, naive, uncritical.

Examples of usage

  • She had an unquestioning faith in his abilities.
  • His unquestioning compliance with the rules surprised everyone.
  • They accepted the information with unquestioning trust.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Unquestioning belief can sometimes lead to blind obedience, where individuals follow commands without critical thought.
  • Research suggests that people often accept information from authority figures unquestioningly, influenced by social dynamics.
  • This type of mindset can result in less critical analysis and greater susceptibility to misinformation.

Education

  • Encouraging questioning in classrooms helps develop critical thinking skills, which counters unquestioning acceptance.
  • Educators strive to create environments where students feel safe to ask questions, promoting deeper learning.
  • Unquestioning acceptance of information can hinder a studentโ€™s ability to engage with material critically.

Literature

  • In many classic novels, characters who are described as unquestioning often face tragic outcomes due to their lack of skepticism.
  • The theme of blind faith versus questioning belief appears frequently in works of fiction and philosophy.
  • Authors use such characters to explore the consequences of accepting ideas without scrutinizing them.

Culture

  • In some cultures, unquestioning respect for tradition is valued, while in others, questioning norms is seen as essential for progress.
  • Movements promoting critical thinking arise in societies seeking to challenge unquestioning assumptions about practices and beliefs.
  • Pop culture often depicts questioning as a heroic trait, contrasting it with unquestioning loyalty to a flawed system.

Origin of 'unquestioning'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from 'un-' meaning 'not', and 'questioning', which relates to asking or doubting.
  • The word has been in English usage since the 19th century, signifying a lack of inquiry.
  • Related words include 'inquisitive', which shows the opposite meaning.

The term 'unquestioning' is derived from the prefix 'un-', which means 'not', and the word 'questioning', which relates to the act of asking for information or expressing doubt. The concept revolves around the idea of not questioning something, which has its roots in discussions around obedience and trust. It emerged in the English language during the 19th century, a time when social norms were often challenged. The idea of unquestioning loyalty or belief has been variously celebrated and critiqued throughout history, especially in contexts such as politics, religion, and education. The implications of being 'unquestioning' can be seen as both a sign of devotion and a potential lack of critical engagement, highlighting the complexities surrounding belief systems and authority.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,732, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.