unconcern
unconcern
UK[ˌʌnkənˈsɜːn]US[ˌʌnkənˈsɜːrn]
n
A lack of worry or interest about something.
n
A state of being free from anxiety or care.
Morpheme Breakdown
un
concern
un
not
concern
worry, interest
Etymology
The word "unconcern" is a transparent English formation built by adding the native Germanic negative prefix "un-" to the noun "concern." The root "concern" entered English via French from the Latin verb concernere, which literally meant "to sift together" (con- "together" + cernere "to sift, separate"). Over time, its meaning evolved from the physical act of sifting or mixing to the metaphorical sense of "to relate to" or "to be of importance," eventually settling on its modern sense of "worry" or "interest." Therefore, "unconcern" logically constructs its meaning as "the state of not having a matter sifted or perceived as important," resulting in a lack of worry or indifference.
Analysis
Structure: un (not) + concern (worry, interest)
- un: A prefix of Germanic origin (Old English un-), meaning "not." It functions as a negative or reversing particle.
- concern: A verb/noun of Latin origin, from concernere ("to sift, mix, or perceive"). In this compound, it functions as the core root meaning "matter of interest or anxiety."
Examples
She faced the criticism with an air of complete unconcern.
His unconcern for his own safety worried his friends.
The company's unconcern for environmental regulations led to public outrage.