Pronunciation: [ʌnhˈɑːdənd] (IPA) 
The word "unhardened" is spelled with the prefix "un-" meaning "not", followed by the base word "hardened". The pronunciation of this word is /ʌnˈhɑːdənd/. The first syllable, "un-", is pronounced with a short "u" sound and the stress is on the second syllable, "-hard". The ending "-ened" is pronounced with a schwa sound followed by a voiced "d" sound. Therefore, "unhardened" means not hardened or not made rigid or strong.
The term "unhardened" refers to a state or condition of lacking hardness, rigidity, or firmness. It describes something that has not been subjected to the process of becoming hard or rigid.
In a physical sense, "unhardened" typically refers to materials such as metals, plastics, or other substances that have not gone through a process of heat treatment or tempering to increase their strength and toughness. Unhardened materials tend to have lower resistance to wear, deformation, or breakage compared to their hardened counterparts.
In a metaphorical or figurative sense, "unhardened" can also describe a person's emotional or psychological state. It often implies the absence or lack of toughness, resilience, or emotional callousness. An unhardened individual may be more vulnerable, sensitive, or easily affected by emotional experiences compared to someone who has developed a hardened disposition.
Furthermore, "unhardened" can refer to the absence of rigid or fixed beliefs, principles, or attitudes. It suggests an open-mindedness or flexibility in one's thinking, allowing for adaptation or change. Unhardened perspectives or ideologies may be more receptive to new information or alternative viewpoints, making them more adaptable and willing to evolve.
In summary, "unhardened" pertains to the lack of hardness, rigidity, or fixedness in both physical and abstract contexts, describing something that has not been hardened physically, emotionally or mentally.
Not made more firm or compact; not made obdurate, as the heart.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "unhardened" is formed by adding the prefix "un-" to the word "hardened".
The term "hardened" originates from the Old English word "heardian", which means "to make hard or strong". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "hardjaną", related to the German word "härten" and the Dutch word "harden". The Proto-Germanic root "harduz" ultimately traces back to the Indo-European base "kar-", meaning "hard".
The prefix "un-" is of Germanic origin as well, from the Old English "un-", which indicates a reversal or negation of the word it is attached to.
Combining the prefix "un-" with "hardened", we get "unhardened", which means "not hardened" or "not made hard or strong".
