unwonted
UK: ʌnˈwəʊntɪd | US: ʌnˈwoʊntɪd
adj. not customary or usual; rare
adj. unaccustomed (archaic)
unwonted = un<not> + wont<accustomed> + ed<adjective suffix>
- un-: A prefix meaning "not," from Old English un-, widely used to negate adjectives.
- wont: From Old English gewunod (past participle of gewunian, "to be accustomed"), meaning "habitual" or "usual." Now archaic but preserved in phrases like "as was his wont."
- -ed: A suffix forming adjectives, often indicating a state or condition (e.g., "talented").
Etymology Origin:
"Unwonted" combines the negation un- with wont, an archaic term for habitual behavior, and the adjectival -ed. The word originally described actions or states deviating from one’s usual habits (e.g., "unwonted silence"). Over time, it broadened to mean anything uncommon or rare, losing its personal connotation.
The CEO’s unwonted humility surprised the board members.
She spoke with unwonted fervor during the debate.
The garden was alive with unwonted colors in spring.
His unwonted absence raised concerns among his friends.
The village celebrated with unwonted extravagance that year.