undamaged
Meaning
Not harmed or damaged; in perfect condition.
Structure
Usage
Fortunately, the valuable painting was found undamaged after the earthquake.
The goods must be delivered completely undamaged.
Despite the fierce argument, their friendship remained undamaged.
Etymology
The word "undamaged" is a straightforward English formation built upon the core noun and verb "damage," which entered Middle English from Old French damage, itself derived from Latin damnum signifying "loss, hurt, or financial penalty." The Germanic negative prefix un-, one of the most productive in English, is attached to negate the state. The participial suffix -ed is added to form an adjective describing something that has not undergone the process of being damaged. Thus, the literal construction "not having been harmed" perfectly captures the modern abstract meaning of being intact or unharmed.
Analysis
- un: A prefix of Germanic origin (Old English un-), meaning "not." It functions as a negative particle. - damage: A root of Latin origin (from Latin damnum meaning "loss, damage"). It functions as the core noun/verb denoting harm or injury. - ed: A suffix of Germanic origin (Old English -ed, -od), originally forming past participles of verbs, here used to create an adjective meaning "having been subjected to (the action)."