unidentified

UK: ˌʌn.aɪˈden.tɪ.faɪd | US: ˌʌn.aɪˈden.t̬ə.faɪd

Definition

  1. adj. not recognized or established as being a particular person or thing

  2. adj. not yet identified or classified

Structure
un <not>ident <same>ified <made>
Etymology

The word "unidentified" combines three morphemes:

  1. "un-" (Old English "un-"), a prefix meaning "not," negates the following root.
  2. "ident" (from Latin "identitas," meaning "sameness" or "identity"), refers to the state of being the same or recognizable.
  3. "-ified" (from Latin "-ificare," via Old French "-ifier"), a suffix meaning "made" or "caused to be."

The term evolved in English to describe something that has not been made recognizable or classified, often used in contexts like "unidentified flying object" (UFO). The logic follows: "not" + "same/recognizable" + "made" = "not made recognizable."

Examples

  1. The police found an unidentified object at the crime scene.

  2. The witness saw an unidentified man leaving the building.

  3. Scientists discovered an unidentified species in the deep ocean.

  4. The radar detected an unidentified aircraft near the border.

  5. The letter was sent by an unidentified sender.