uncertain
Meaning
not known, definite, or decided
not confident or sure about something
Structure
Usage
the outcome of the election remains uncertain.
she felt uncertain about accepting the new job offer.
we are facing a period of uncertain economic growth.
Etymology
the word 'uncertain' is a straightforward english formation, combining the native english negative prefix 'un-' with the adjective 'certain'. 'certain' itself entered english from old french certain, which derived from latin certus, the past participle of cernere, meaning 'to decide, to sift'. the core idea in cernere is one of separation and judgment, leading to a settled fact. therefore, the literal morphemic construction 'not + settled/sure' maps directly and logically to the modern abstract meanings of being indefinite, doubtful, or not confident.
Analysis
un- (a prefix of Germanic origin, via Old English, indicating negation or reversal). certain (from Latin certus, meaning 'settled, sure', via Old French).