unconquered

unconquered

UK[ʌnˈkɒŋkəd]US[ʌnˈkɑːŋkərd]
adj

not having been defeated, overcome, or brought under control.

Morpheme Breakdown

un
conquer
ed
un

not

conquer

to defeat

ed

adjective suffix

Etymology

the word "unconquered" is built upon the core verb "conquer," which entered english via old french from the latin verb 'conquīrere,' meaning "to seek thoroughly, to procure, to win." the latin term itself is a compound of 'con-' (an intensive prefix) and 'quaerere' (to seek, ask). the addition of the old english prefix 'un-' negates the state, while the old english suffix '-ed' forms a participial adjective. thus, the literal construction "not having been thoroughly won" evolved into the modern abstract sense of remaining undefeated, free, or not subdued.

Analysis

Structure: un (not) + conquer (to defeat) + ed (adjective suffix) - un: a prefix of germanic origin (old english) meaning "not". - conquer: a verb from old french 'conquerre', ultimately from latin 'conquīrere', meaning "to seek for, procure, win". - ed: a suffix of germanic origin (old english) used to form adjectives from verbs, indicating a state or condition.

Examples

the ancient fortress remained unconquered for centuries.

her spirit was unconquered by the hardships she faced.

they explored vast, unconquered territories.