English Dictionary |
UNWRITTEN
Pronunciation (US): | (GB): |
IPA (US): |
Dictionary entry overview: What does unwritten mean?
• UNWRITTEN (adjective)
The adjective UNWRITTEN has 3 senses:
1. based on custom rather than documentation
2. using speech rather than writing
3. said or done without having been planned or written in advance
Familiarity information: UNWRITTEN used as an adjective is uncommon.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Based on custom rather than documentation
Context example:
rites...so ancient that they well might have had their unwritten origins in Aurignacian times
Similar:
common-law (based on common law)
Antonym:
written (systematically collected and written down)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Using speech rather than writing
Synonyms:
oral; unwritten
Context example:
an oral agreement
Similar:
spoken (uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Said or done without having been planned or written in advance
Synonyms:
ad-lib; spontaneous; unwritten
Context example:
he made a few ad-lib remarks
Similar:
unscripted (not furnished with or using a script)
Context examples
He compared the tale, as yet unwritten, with the tales of the sea-writers, and he felt it to be immeasurably superior.
(Martin Eden, by Jack London)
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