The word "unaffrighted" is spelled with the prefix "un-" meaning not, followed by the word "affrighted" which means frightened. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ʌnəˈfraɪtɪd/. This transcription indicates that the stress is on the second syllable, and that the vowel sound in the first syllable is an unstressed schwa. The "f" sound is pronounced like the "ph" in "phone," and the "-ed" ending is pronounced as an extra syllable with a "t" sound. This unusual word is often found in classic literature.
Unaffrighted is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is not frightened or intimidated by a particular situation, object, or event. It denotes a state of being fearless, undaunted, or unalarmed when facing potential sources of fear or worry.
Derived from the word "affrighted," which means frightened or scared, the prefix "un-" negates the term, reversing its meaning to express the absence of fear. Unaffrighted is often used to emphasize courage, bravery, or self-assurance in the face of adversity, danger, or uncertainty. It suggests a mental and emotional state of remaining calm and composed when confronted with situations that might otherwise provoke fear or concern in others.
The term unaffrighted can be applied to a wide range of contexts. For instance, it can describe an individual who remains unaffrighted by a haunted house during a horror film, indicating their lack of fear in such situations. It can also apply to someone who remains unaffrighted in the face of physical danger, exhibiting remarkable strength and resilience. Additionally, unaffrighted can be used to describe an object or creature that does not cause fear or distress in others, due to its harmless nature or lack of threatening qualities.
In conclusion, unaffrighted describes a state of fearlessness and composure in the presence of potential fearful stimuli, emphasizing courage and a lack of intimidation.
Not terrified by sudden fear.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "unaffrighted" is formed from the prefix "un-" meaning "not", and the root word "affrighted", which is the past participle of the verb "affright".
The verb "affright" originated from the Old English word "afyrhtan" which meant "to terrify" or "to frighten". It is a compound word formed from the prefix "a-" meaning "on" or "intensely", and "fyrhtan" meaning "to frighten".
The root word "fyrhtan" is related to the Middle Dutch "vreesen" meaning "to fear" and the Old High German "frihten" meaning "to frighten" or "to terrify". These words, in turn, have common roots with the Old Norse word "fyrhta", which also meant "to fear".