Pronunciation: [ʌnɡˈɪlt] (IPA) 
The word "ungilt" is an adjective that refers to something that has not been guilty or made culpable. Its spelling is based on phonetics, with the prefix "un-" meaning "not," and the root word "gilt" pronounced as /gɪlt/. The "i" is pronounced as a short "i" sound, while the "l" is pronounced softly. The spelling of "ungilt" is straightforward and easy to understand, helping readers and writers to communicate effectively and accurately.
Ungilt is an adjective that refers to something that is not covered or coated with gilt or gold leaf. Gilt is a thin layer of gold applied to the surface of an object, typically made of metal, to give it a decorative and luxurious appearance. When an object is ungilt, it means that it lacks this golden coating, resulting in a dull or plain appearance.
The term ungilt can be used in various contexts. For instance, it can describe an artwork, a piece of furniture, or any other object that has not been enhanced with the addition of gilt. In the context of art, ungilt frames or sculptures may have a more natural or rustic appearance compared to their gilt counterparts.
Ungilt can also figuratively describe a person or a situation that lacks ostentation or embellishment. It conveys a sense of simplicity, modesty, or authenticity. For example, someone's speech or writing style may be described as ungilt if it is straightforward, unaffected, and devoid of any artificiality or embellishment.
Overall, ungilt refers to the absence of gilt, whether in terms of physical appearance or metaphorical attributes. It implies a lack of decorative enhancement or pretentiousness, often emphasizing a more genuine or unadorned quality.
Not overlaid with gold.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "ungilt" can be traced back to the Old English word "ungyldan", which is a combination of the prefix "un-" meaning "not" and the verb "gyldan" meaning "pay" or "gild". In Old English, "gyldan" referred to the act of paying a fine or a debt. Over time, "ungyldan" evolved into "ungilt", which came to mean "not having paid a debt or fine" or simply "not guilty". The "t" at the end of the word was a common suffix in Old English that indicated the past participle, and it has persisted in the modern form "ungilt" as an archaic or dialectal spelling.
