Unstated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unstated

[สŒnหˆsteษชtษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

in communication

Not made explicit or expressed; implied.

Synonyms

implicit, implied, undeclared, unexpressed.

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Word Description / Examples
unstated

Used when something is not said or written explicitly, especially in formal or serious contexts. Often relates to assumptions or conditions that are understood without being spoken.

  • There was an unstated agreement between the two parties.
  • The unstated rules of the competition were known to everyone.
implied

Used when something is hinted at or suggested without being explicitly said. Can be used in both formal and informal situations.

  • The silence in the room implied a mutual understanding.
  • His tone implied that he was not satisfied with the result.
unexpressed

Describes thoughts, feelings, or ideas that are not voiced or articulated. Often relates to personal emotions or thoughts in both formal and informal settings.

  • There were unexpressed feelings between them.
  • His apology was filled with unexpressed regret.
implicit

Refers to something suggested or understood without being directly stated. Suitable for academic, technical, or formal settings.

  • Her smile gave implicit approval of the plan.
  • There is an implicit trust between the team members.
undeclared

Typically used in formal or legal contexts to describe something not announced or officially declared, often related to status, intentions, or proclamations.

  • He had undeclared income from his side business.
  • Her candidacy for the position remains undeclared.

Examples of usage

  • His feelings for her are unstated but clear.
  • The report left many key points unstated.
  • The unstated assumption is that everyone will contribute equally.
  • She relies on unstated rules to guide her behavior.
  • The unstated goal of the project is to increase efficiency.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In communication, unstated feelings can lead to misunderstandings, as people often infer meaning not directly expressed.
  • Psychologists suggest that many emotional conflicts arise from unstated grievances, highlighting the importance of expressing feelings.
  • Non-verbal cues often convey unstated messages, sometimes more powerfully than words.

Literature

  • Authors often leave unstated themes or messages for readers to interpret, enriching the depth of a story.
  • In poetry, unstated emotions can create ambiguity, allowing readers to connect personally to the text.
  • Classic literature frequently employs unstated conflicts, prompting readers to deduce motivations from character behavior.

Law

  • In legal terms, unstated conditions in a contract can lead to disputes, stressing the need for clear agreements.
  • Judges may interpret unstated laws based on established precedents, filling in gaps in legislation.
  • Unstated intentions behind legal documents can be crucial in court, affecting how agreements are enforced.

Communication

  • Effective communication requires addressing unstated assumptions, which can influence how messages are received.
  • In meetings, unstated agendas can lead to confusion, as participants may have differing expectations.
  • Learning to recognize unstated needs in conversations can enhance interpersonal relationships.

Origin of 'unstated'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'un-' means 'not', while 'stated' comes from the Old French 'estater', meaning 'to establish'.
  • The word 'unstated' originated in English around the late 19th century, emphasizing things left unsaid.
  • Combining 'un' with other words is common in English to indicate negation, like 'unknown' or 'unwritten'.

The word 'unstated' originated from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the past participle of the verb 'state'. It first appeared in the mid-19th century as a term used primarily in communication and literature to describe something that is not explicitly expressed but understood. Over time, 'unstated' has become a commonly used adjective to refer to implied or undeclared ideas or feelings.


See also: instatement, interstate, misstate, overstate, overstated, overstatement, reinstate, restate, restatement, stated, stately, statement, statements, stateroom, statesman, understate, understated.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,756, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.