Unseen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
👀
unseen
[ʌnˈsiːn ]
Definitions
not visible
Not seen or noticed by others; invisible.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unseen |
Use 'unseen' when talking about something that hasn’t been seen or noticed, often in a more general or abstract sense.
|
| unnoticed |
Use 'unnoticed' when something is not observed or not given attention, often implying a lack of awareness.
|
| invisible |
Use 'invisible' when something cannot be seen, often because it is too small, transparent, or camouflaged.
|
| hidden |
Use 'hidden' when something is deliberately placed out of sight or concealed.
|
Examples of usage
- It was an unseen force that pushed the door open.
- The creature remained unseen in the darkness.
- The spy moved through the crowd unseen.
not anticipated
Not foreseen or expected; unexpected.
Synonyms
surprising, unexpected, unforeseen.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unseen |
Use when referring to something not visible or not noticed.
|
| unexpected |
Use when something happens that was not anticipated or predicted.
|
| surprising |
Use when describing something that causes astonishment or amazement.
|
| unforeseen |
Use in formal contexts to describe something that was not predicted or planned for.
|
Examples of usage
- The sudden storm took the hikers by unseen surprise.
- His success was an unseen twist of fate.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- The concept of the unseen plays a significant role in perception and cognition, particularly in how we interpret things we can't directly observe.
- Cognitive biases can affect our understanding of the unseen, leading us to make assumptions based on incomplete evidence.
Literature
- In literature, unseen elements often symbolize mystery or the unknown, encouraging readers to explore themes that are hidden beneath the surface.
- Notable works like H.G. Wells' 'The Invisible Man' explore unseen phenomena, challenging the characters' and readers' perceptions of reality.
Pop Culture
- Movies often feature unseen characters or elements that are crucial to the plot, like ghosts in horror films or secret agents.
- In the realm of comics, characters like invisible superheroes have gained popularity by embodying the unseen.
Science
- In physics, many unseen forces, such as gravity, influence our daily lives, even though we cannot see them.
- Microorganisms are often unseen to the naked eye, yet they play essential roles in our environment and health.
Origin of 'unseen'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'unseen' comes from the combination of 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'seen', the past participle of 'see'.
- It first appeared in the English language in the late 14th century, reflecting things that were not visible to the eye.
The word 'unseen' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the past participle of 'see'. It first appeared in the 14th century in Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'unseon'. The concept of something being unseen has intrigued philosophers and scientists for centuries, leading to discussions about perception, reality, and the limitations of the human senses.