The word "unmitigated" is pronounced /ʌnˈmɪtɪˌɡeɪtɪd/. It is a compound word that consists of the negative prefix "un-" and the adjective "mitigated". The spelling of the word stays consistent with the syllables of the two words that make it up. The stress is on the second syllable, and the "g" is pronounced like a "j". The overall meaning of the word is "absolute" or "unqualified", describing something that is not softened or made less severe.
Unmitigated is an adjective that describes something that is complete, absolute, or unconditional. It refers to a situation or condition that is without any exceptions, qualifications, or efforts to lessen or moderate its intensity or severity.
When used to describe a negative event or circumstance, unmitigated suggests that it is utterly unmixed with any positive qualities, making it entirely unrelieved or uncompromised. For instance, an unmitigated disaster signifies a catastrophe or calamity that is total and lacks any kind of ameliorating factors.
Similarly, unmitigated can describe a person's behavior or attitude that is extreme or unalloyed in nature. It implies that their conduct or demeanor is unrestrained, undiluted, and lacking any attempt at moderation or restraint. For example, an unmitigated liar is someone who habitually tells falsehoods without any consideration for the truth or the consequences of their deceit.
Overall, unmitigated emphasizes the absence of any tempering or alleviating factors, showcasing the absolute nature of a situation, condition, or individual attribute. It serves to highlight the complete and unadulterated aspects of whatever is being described, emphasizing its unrestrained or uncompromising nature.
Not softened in severity or harshness; not lessened.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "unmitigated" originated from the combination of two Latin roots: "un-" and "mitigare".
The prefix "un-" means "not" or "opposite of", while "mitigare" means "to soften" or "to make mild". The Latin word "mitigatus" is the past participle of "mitigare" and refers to something that has been tempered or moderated.
Over time, "mitigate" and its derivatives, such as "mitigated" and "unmitigated", made their way into Middle English from Latin, retaining their original meanings.
Today, "unmitigated" is commonly used to describe something that is complete or absolute, often in a negative sense, without any tempering or moderation. For example, "unmitigated disaster" refers to a calamity that is entirely without relief or lessening.