Unwritten: meaning, definitions and examples
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unwritten
[ ʌnˈrɪtən ]
not recorded
The term 'unwritten' refers to something that has not been put down in writing. It encompasses ideas, rules, or norms that exist in practice but lack formal documentation. This can refer to societal conventions that are generally accepted but not codified in law or regulation. The term is often used in contexts where unwritten laws or traditions govern behavior, highlighting the gap between written and informal agreements.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The unwritten rules of the game often dictate how players interact.
- There are many unwritten guidelines in the workplace.
- The culture at our company is shaped by unwritten norms.
Translations
Translations of the word "unwritten" in other languages:
🇵🇹 não escrito
🇮🇳 अनलिखित
🇩🇪 unbeschrieben
🇮🇩 tidak tertulis
🇺🇦 недописаний
🇵🇱 nienapisany
🇯🇵 未記入の
🇫🇷 non écrit
🇪🇸 no escrito
🇹🇷 yazılmamış
🇰🇷 작성되지 않은
🇸🇦 غير مكتوب
🇨🇿 nepsaný
🇸🇰 nenapísaný
🇨🇳 未写的
🇸🇮 nespisan
🇮🇸 óskrifað
🇰🇿 жазылмаған
🇬🇪 არაწერილი
🇦🇿 yazılmamış
🇲🇽 no escrito
Etymology
The word 'unwritten' is a compound of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'written', the past participle of the verb 'write'. 'Write' comes from the Old English 'writan', which means to scratch, draw or inscribe. Throughout its evolution, the term has retained its core meaning associated with the act of recording thoughts or information. The use of 'unwritten' has been prevalent in various contexts, especially in legal, social, and literary discussions, indicating areas where absence of formal rules or records may influence behavior or expectations. The concept of unwritten rules or norms plays a significant role in anthropology and sociology, providing insights into human behavior beyond formal regulations.