The word "unrequited" is commonly mispronounced and misspelled as "unrequired" or "unreciprocated." The correct spelling of this word is uhn-ri-kwai-tid, with the stress on the second syllable. The "r" in the middle of the word is pronounced, unlike in "required." The "i" in the second syllable is pronounced as "ai" in "air," which can be tricky for non-native English speakers. "Unrequited" refers to a feeling or love that is not returned, and it is an important word in literature and poetry.
The term "unrequited" relates to an emotion or desire that is not reciprocated or fulfilled. It is often used in the context of love or affection, referring to feelings that are not returned by the desired person. The prefix "un-" signifies negation or absence, while "requite" means to return or respond in kind. Consequently, "unrequited" describes a state in which one individual loves, admires, or desires another who does not feel the same way.
The concept of unrequited love has been a recurring theme in literature, music, and art, highlighting the emotional turmoil and longing experienced by an individual whose affections are unreciprocated. It is a profound and often painful experience, leading to feelings of heartbreak, disappointment, and anguish. The unrequited lover may continuously yearn for the attention, affection, or validation of the person they desire, but it remains unattainable.
Unrequited can extend beyond romantic love, encompassing unmet expectations or desires across various aspects of life. It can include unreturned friendship, unappreciated gestures, unreciprocated efforts, or unfulfilled ambitions. In any case, the core essence of "unrequited" is a sense of longing, unmet expectation, or one-sided attachment that leaves one feeling unfulfilled. It encapsulates the experience of desiring something or someone deeply but not receiving the desired response, leading to feelings of vulnerability, longing, and heartache.
Not recompensed.
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 "unrequited" is derived from the Latin word "requirere", which means "to seek again" or "to ask back". In Latin, the prefix "un" means "not" or "opposite". Consequently, when joined, "unrequited" means "not required" or "not given in return". Over time, the term took on a specific meaning related to love or affection, denoting feelings that are not reciprocated.