ENGLISH
REFERENCE

unseen

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ənˈsin// UK //ʌnsˈiːn// un·seen

n. not noticed or seen by anyone. You use this to describe things that are hidden or happen without people watching.

n. not observed or perceived by the eye; concealed from sight. Often used to describe forces, influences, or events that occur without being witnessed.


SIMPLE

The thief moved through the house unseen.

CONTEXTUAL

The security cameras failed to capture the intruder, who managed to remain unseen by staying in the shadows.

COMPLEX

The novel explores the unseen labor of the working class, highlighting the essential roles that often go unacknowledged by the broader society.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English unsen, unseyn, unseien, from Old English unġesewen, from Proto-Germanic *unsewanaz, equivalent to un- + seen. Cognate with Dutch ongezien (“unseen”), German Low German unsehn (“unseen”), German ungesehen (“unseen”).

Etymology 2

From un- + seen.

Usage

Typically functions as a predicative adjective following a verb like 'remain' or 'go', or as an attributive adjective before a noun.

Idioms1 entry

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