uncaused
Meaning
Not brought about by any cause; having no external cause or origin.
Structure
Usage
Some philosophers argue for the existence of an uncaused first cause.
The event appeared utterly random and uncaused.
In his theory, the universe is presented as an uncaused entity.
Etymology
The word 'uncaused' is a modern English formation built from the negative prefix 'un-' and the past participle 'caused' of the verb 'to cause'. The core root 'caus' traces back to Latin 'causa', which carried meanings of "reason, motive, or legal case." This Latin term itself has an uncertain deeper origin, though it may be linked to a Proto-Indo-European root for "strike" or "accuse," reflecting a concept of an event being struck into being. In philosophical and theological discourse, 'uncaused' logically combines these elements to denote a state of absolute origination, specifically something that exists without being brought into being by any prior action or agent, thus negating the very concept of causation.
Analysis
un: A prefix of Germanic origin (Old English) meaning "not," used to form negatives. caus: A root derived from Latin 'causa' meaning "reason, cause, lawsuit." ed: A suffix of Germanic origin (Old English) used to form adjectives from nouns or verbs, often meaning "having, provided with, characterized by."