naked
UK: ˈneɪkɪd | US: ˈneɪkɪd
adj. not wearing any clothes; uncovered
adj. exposed or vulnerable (e.g., "naked truth")
adj. lacking embellishment or protection (e.g., "naked flame")
naked = nak<bare> + ed<adjective suffix>
- nak (Old English nacod, Proto-Germanic nakwadaz, meaning "bare, unclothed")
- ed (adjective-forming suffix, indicating state or condition)
Etymology Origin:
The word "naked" traces back to Old English nacod, derived from Proto-Germanic nakwadaz, which shares roots with Old Norse nakinn and Gothic naqaþs. The core idea of "bareness" or "exposure" has remained consistent across languages. The suffix -ed solidifies its adjectival form, emphasizing a state of being uncovered. Unlike some modern words with Latin or Greek roots, "naked" retains its Germanic simplicity, reflecting primal human experiences like vulnerability and visibility.
The child ran naked through the sprinklers.
His naked ambition surprised everyone in the room.
The tree stood naked after losing its leaves in winter.
She felt naked without her phone in a foreign city.
The artist painted a naked figure under soft lighting.