The term "unavowed" refers to something that has not been publicly acknowledged, confessed, or accepted by a person or group. It can encompass a range of meanings, including secrets, hidden intentions, undisclosed beliefs, or unacknowledged actions. Unavowed often implies an intentional act of concealment, indicating something that is deliberately kept hidden or under wraps.
In a personal context, the word may describe an individual's undisclosed feelings, desires, or beliefs that they intentionally keep hidden from others, either due to insecurity, shame, or fear of judgement. It can also relate to behavior or actions that have not been admitted or acknowledged openly by a person, suggesting a desire to maintain a facade or keep certain aspects of oneself concealed.
On a broader scale, the term can be used to describe a group, organization, or government's undisclosed aims, motives, or strategies. It suggests that there are hidden agendas, plans, or intentions that are not openly declared, possibly due to political, social, or personal reasons.
In summary, "unavowed" refers to something that is not publicly confessed, acknowledged, or admitted. It reflects hidden aspects, intentions, beliefs, or actions that are intentionally concealed. The word encompasses personal secrecy as well as group or institutional undisclosed motives or strategies.
• Not acknowledged.
• Not acknowledged or confessed.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "unavowed" is composed of two parts: "un-", a prefix used to indicate negation or reversal, and "avowed".
The term "avowed" originated from the Old French word "avower", which meant "to declare openly or admit openly". It came from the Latin word "advocare", which meant "to call or summon". Over time, "avower" evolved into "avow" in Middle English, maintaining the same meaning of openly acknowledging or confessing something.
By combining the prefix "un-" to indicate the opposite or absence of the action, "unavowed" was formed. Therefore, "unavowed" essentially means not openly declared or admitted.