Unworthier Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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unworthier
[ˌʌnˈwɜrðiər ]
Definition
comparison form
Unworthier is the comparative form of unworthy, meaning less deserving of respect, admiration, or good treatment. It denotes a relative lack of merit or value in comparison to something or someone else.
Synonyms
inferior, less deserving, unmeritorious.
Examples of usage
- He felt unworthier than his peers.
- In this competition, she believed her skills were unworthier than those of the finalists.
- He always thought he was unworthier of their friendship.
- The unworthier candidate was still chosen for the position.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Shakespeare employed the term in poetic phrases to contrast characters' merits against one another.
- Classical literature often features comparisons of worthiness, making 'unworthier' a fitting descriptor in conflicts between characters.
Psychology
- The concept of worthiness can be linked to self-esteem, where feelings of being 'unworthier' often relate to negative self-perception.
- Studies show that comparing oneself to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy, reinforcing feelings of being unworthy.
Philosophy
- In moral philosophy, discussions about worth often dissect relationships between intrinsic and extrinsic value in people and things.
- The notion of worth is heavily debated, questioning what makes one person or idea inherently 'worthier' than another.
Pop Culture
- In many movies and books, characters are often compared on their worthiness—think of heroes versus villains where one is often seen as 'worthier'.
- Reality TV often brings this term to life, as contestants might label themselves or others as 'unworthier' in comparison to favorites.
Origin of 'unworthier'
Main points about word origin
- The prefix 'un-' means 'not', and 'worthy' comes from Old English, meaning 'having worth or value'.
- The comparative form '-ier' indicates that it compares two things, making 'unworthier' denote a lower value than another.
- The use of 'unworthier' can be traced back to Middle English, although it's rarely used in modern contexts.
The word 'unworthy' originates from the Old English 'unwyrðe', which combines the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', with 'wyrðe', meaning 'worthy'. The root 'wyrðe' is related to the Proto-Germanic '* Würþiz', which conveys the concept of worthiness or value. Over time, the word evolved into its modern form, and the comparative 'unworthier' emerged to describe a lower degree of worthiness than something else. The use of 'unworthier' has been more limited in modern English, as speakers often prefer simpler constructions, but it maintains a presence in more formal or literary contexts.