Oh Language -21
Someone had pointed out that there is no mention of ‘irresponsible’ in
the list of items presented in the preceding posting. May be I was
irresponsible to have assumed that it is ‘too well known an item’ to
incorporate. Having been raised, I present it here and now.
Irresponsible
The term refers to some thoughtless utterance or action without according
importance to the resultant effect [consequence]. So, sensible persons avoid
being ‘irresponsible’.
I thank Mr. Jagan [Hyderabad] to have drawn my attention to the term ‘irresponsible’. Thank you, Sir for your intervention.
Language being a vast territory, it is not convenient to accommodate every
word. Still, it is a happy augury that readers do make pertinent
observations.
Now:
In addition to what we have considered hitherto, the prefix ‘Un’ is
another common modifier for rendering a ‘negation’ of a root word. Some such
are ‘Unabated’, ‘Unbiased’, Unconditional’, ‘Undue’, ‘Unethical’,
‘Unfazed’, ‘Ungrateful’, ‘Unholy’,
‘Unjust’, ‘Unknown’, ‘Unlawful’, ‘Unmindful’, ‘Unnerving’, ‘Unopposed’,
‘Unpardonable’, ‘Unquestionable’, ‘ Unreserved’, ‘Unsolicited’, ‘Untie’, ‘Unusual’, ‘Unveil’, ‘Unwell’,
etcetera. Each one implies the negative of its root word.
Unabated
‘Un abated’ refers to a state of vigorous persistence as in ‘The storm
went on unabated for overnight or The fever did not subside and stayed unabated
despite medication.
Unbiased
The term is used to indicate a neutral stand with no prejudice against or
any privilege to someone. Unbiased attitude is a virtue –hard to acquire.
Unconditional
The term indicates ‘no restriction or condition’ for a certain act. The
terror outfit surrendered their arms and reverted to normal life and the act
was unconditional.
Undue
The term indicates some ‘disproportionate’ [more than necessary or less
than normal] freedom or lenience or
favour shown. A 10 year imprisonment
looks undue [inadequate], for murdering 3 children.
Unethical
The term defines something morally incorrect [unethical]. Every
profession has a defined moral code to abide by. Any act that violates the code
is ‘Unethical’.
Unfazed
The term refers to a state of mind where a person is not disturbed or
shaken by any surprise. The criminal stayed unfazed when the judge pronounced
capital punishment for his heinous crime.
Ungrateful
The term refers to a disposition of showing ‘no sense of gratitude ‘or
thankfulness. Many in our society fail to show any semblance of gratitude, once
their requirement is fulfilled.
‘Unholy’,
Unholy
The term implies an attitude of not showing any respect to religious
practices or common norms. If two groups of persons of unlike attitudes, join
hands, it is said to be an ‘unholy alliance’.
Unjust
The term refers to something not proper or wrong.
Unknown
It is a reference to anything not known. That she was the GM of our
company was unknown until she assumed office.
The Scientist who was awarded the highest honour is practically
unknown. [In our society comedians are
known and Scientists are unknown]. I trust all these are clear and intelligible.
