unfocussed
Meaning
not clearly defined or concentrated; lacking a clear focus.
(of a person, their eyes, or their mind) not paying attention or thinking clearly.
Structure
Usage
the photograph was unfocussed and blurry.
his thoughts were unfocussed after the long meeting.
she gave an unfocussed answer, wandering off the main topic.
Etymology
The word "unfocussed" is a Modern English formation built upon the established word "focused." Its core, "focus," entered English in the 17th century from Latin, where it originally meant "hearth" or "fireplace"—the central, vital point of a home. This concrete meaning evolved metaphorically in scientific and general use to denote a central point of light, attention, or activity. The suffix "-ed" is added to form the adjective "focused," describing a state of clear concentration. Finally, the Old English negative prefix "un-" is attached, creating a word that literally means "not in a state of having a central point," which perfectly captures its modern meanings of being vague, diffuse, or inattentive.
Analysis
- un: a prefix of germanic origin (old english) meaning "not," serving a negating function. - focus: a morpheme of latin origin (from latin focus meaning "hearth, fireplace") acting as the core root, here meaning a central point of attention or activity. - ed: a suffix of germanic origin (old english) used to form adjectives from nouns or verbs, indicating a state or condition.