Unthinkingly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unthinkingly

[ʌnˈθɪŋkɪŋli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a thoughtless or careless manner

Done without thinking or considering the consequences; thoughtlessly.

Synonyms

automatically, carelessly, thoughtlessly.

Examples of usage

  • She unthinkingly agreed to meet him for coffee.
  • He unthinkingly threw away the letter without reading it.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research in psychology shows that decisions made unthinkingly are often influenced by emotions rather than rational thought.
  • People are more likely to act unthinkingly when they are under stress or in a hurry, demonstrating the brain's automatic response systems.
  • Cognitive biases can lead to unthinking behavior, where one's preconceived notions influence choices without deliberate evaluation.

Literature

  • In literature, characters who act unthinkingly often serve as warnings about the consequences of impulsivity.
  • The theme of unthinking actions appears in classic tales, highlighting how rash decisions can lead to unexpected troubles.
  • Modern novels often explore the depth of human behavior by contrasting thoughtful decisions with unthinking acts.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict characters stumbling into situations unthinkingly, leading to humorous or dramatic consequences.
  • Songs about love sometimes describe feelings that lead to unthinking gestures, showcasing how emotions can override rational thought.
  • Famous sitcoms frequently portray characters acting unthinkingly, providing comedic relief and lessons on impulsive behavior.

Social Behavior

  • In social contexts, unthinking behavior can manifest as following trends without questioning their validity or impact.
  • Unthinkingly spreading misinformation on social media highlights the importance of critical thinking in today’s digital age.
  • Being aware of unthinking habits can promote better decision-making and enhance personal relationships.

Origin of 'unthinkingly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'unthinkingly' is formed by adding the prefix 'un-' (meaning not) to 'thinking', indicating a lack of thought.
  • Its roots can be traced back to Old English, where 'thincan' meant to think or consider.
  • The usage of 'unthinkingly' gained popularity in English literature during the late 19th century.

The word 'unthinkingly' is formed by adding the prefix 'un-' to the word 'thinkingly', which comes from the verb 'think'. The suffix '-ly' is added to form an adverb. The usage of 'unthinkingly' dates back to the late 18th century, where it was used to describe actions done without careful consideration or thought.


See also: outthink, overthink, overthinking, rethink, rethinking, think, thinker, thinkers, thinking, thought, unthinkability, unthinkable, unthinkableness, unthinkably, unthinking.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,796 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.