unsolicited

the word "unsolicited" is a modern english formation built upon the verb "solicit." "solicit" entered english in the early 15th century from old french soliciter, which derived from latin solicitare, meaning "to disturb, agitate, or entreat." the latin root is a compound of solus ("whole, entire") and citare ("to set in motion"), suggesting a sense of thoroughly rousing or urging someone. the negative prefix "un-," of old english origin, was later attached to the past participle "solicited" to create an adjective describing something not asked for or given without request. thus, the literal sense of "not having been asked for" logically evolved from its components.