Unvowed

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Not having made a formal vow, or not bound by any solemn promise or pledge that has been spoken
2. Describing a person who has never taken a sacred oath or committed themselves through a solemn pledge
3. Lacking any binding vow, so that no sworn commitment or promise holds the individual to a course of action

Etymology: "Unvowed" is a plain formation: the prefix "un-", meaning "not", attached to "vowed," the past participle of "vow." A vow is a solemn promise, usually made to a god or to a person, and "vowed" describes something that has been pledged in that way. Adding "un-" reverses the sense, so "unvowed" describes something that has not been promised or dedicated by such an oath. The word works in the same way as many English adjectives built from participles, such as "unloved" or "unspoken," where "un-" simply negates the state the participle names. Because "vow" itself came into English through Old English and Old French roots, the core of the word is old, while the negated form is a transparent combination that speakers can build on the spot.

Synonyms: unsworn, unpledged

Antonyms: vowed, sworn, pledged