Oh Language -21

 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.