The spelling of the word 'more unmistaken' is often confusing as it differs from the more commonly used 'more unmistakable'. The additional 'n' in 'unmistaken' seems unnecessary but serves a purpose in emphasizing the quality of absolute certainty. It is pronounced as /mɔː(r) ʌnmɪˈsteɪkən/, with the stress on the second syllable. While it may be tempting to stick to the more familiar spelling, using 'more unmistaken' accurately conveys the intended meaning and adds a touch of sophistication to one's writing.
The word "more unmistaken" does not have a separate etymology of its own. However, we can break down the etymology of the two constituent parts: "more" and "unmistaken".
1. More: The word "more" originated from the Old English word "māra", which means greater in quantity or size. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "maiz" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*mē-", meaning great or to measure. It has retained its meaning over time and is commonly used as a comparative adjective to indicate a higher degree or quantity.
2. Unmistaken: The term "unmistaken" comprises the prefix "un-" and the past participle of the verb "mistake". The prefix "un-" is derived from Old English "un-" or "on-" and is used to negate the following word.