The word "unstrung" is spelled with the prefix "un-" meaning "not", followed by the word "strung" meaning "made tense or taut". The IPA phonetic transcription for "unstrung" is /ʌnstrʌŋ/, with the first syllable pronounced like "uh-n" and the second syllable like "strung" without the initial "s" sound. This word is commonly used in expressions such as "I felt unstrung after the stressful day" or "The bow was unstrung and needed to be restrung before use".
Unstrung is an adjective that is primarily used to describe a person's emotional state or mental condition when they are feeling overwhelmed, distressed, or extremely upset. When someone is unstrung, it means that they have lost control over their emotions and are unable to maintain their usual composure or calmness.
In this state, a person may appear highly agitated, nervous, or on edge. They might exhibit signs of anxiety, restlessness, or irritability. Their thoughts may be scattered, making it difficult for them to concentrate or make rational decisions. Unstrung individuals may also experience physical symptoms such as trembling, sweating, or a racing heartbeat.
This term can also be applied to inanimate objects, particularly musical instruments. When a stringed instrument, such as a guitar or violin, is unstrung, it means that its strings have been deliberately or accidentally removed, loosened, or detached. This renders the instrument incapable of producing sound until the strings are restrung and properly tuned.
Alternatively, unstrung can be used metaphorically to characterize a situation or event that has caused disarray or disorder. For instance, if a plan or organization becomes unstrung, it means that it has fallen apart or lost its coherence and effectiveness.
Overall, unstrung describes a state of emotional or mental disarray, the removal or disconnection of strings from an instrument, or the disruption of a system or plan.
Relaxed in tension; loosed; untied.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "unstrung" is a compound word that consists of the prefix "un-" and the word "strung".
The word "strung" is the past participle form of the verb "string", which originally comes from the Old English word "streng", meaning a cord or rope. The term "strung" means to have stretched, pulled, or tightened a string or cord.
The prefix "un-" is a common prefix in English that indicates negation or reversal of the word it precedes. In the case of "unstrung", it implies the removal, loosening, or reversing of the act of stringing something.
Therefore, the etymology of the word "unstrung" suggests that it means to undo, loosen, or remove the stringing of something, typically an instrument or a bow, metaphorically reflecting a state of being weakened, agitated, or emotionally unsettled.