unborn
UK: ʌnˈbɔːn | US: ʌnˈbɔːrn
adj. not yet born; existing but not yet brought into life
The word "unborn" combines the prefix "un-" (Old English "un-," meaning "not") with the past participle "born" (Old English "boren," from "beran," meaning "to bear or carry"). The prefix negates the state of having been born, creating a term that logically describes something not yet brought into existence. This straightforward compounding reflects Germanic linguistic patterns, where prefixes and roots are cleanly combined to form new meanings.
The mother spoke softly to her unborn child.
The law protects the rights of the unborn.
Scientists study unborn animals to understand fetal development.
Her dreams for her unborn baby filled her with hope.
The documentary explored ethical debates about unborn life.