unrequited
un-ri-KWAY-tid
/ˌʌnrɪˈkwaɪtɪd/
(Of a feeling, especially love) not returned or rewarded.
A very poetic and specific term for one-sided love.
The story behind the word. The root 'requite' comes from 're-' (back) and 'quit' (to pay or settle a debt). If your love is unrequited, it means the 'debt' of your affection has not been paid back by the other person.
Word relationships
- one-sided: One-sided is casual; unrequited is formal and literary.
- unanswered: Unanswered is usually for questions; unrequited is for deep feelings.
- mutual: Mutual feelings are shared by both; unrequited feelings are only on one side.
- reciprocal: Reciprocal means given in return; unrequited means nothing is given back.
Commonly confused with
- unrequited: Often confused with 'unrequited' (the word itself is unique, but people sometimes say 'unrequited' when they mean 'unrewarded').
Word family
- requite (verb): To make appropriate return for a favor or feeling.
Collocations
- unrequited love
- unrequited passion
- unrequited affection
Example sentences
- "Unrequited love is a ridiculous state, and it makes those of us who are in it look ridiculous to everyone else." A quote from a fantasy novel. (Cassandra Clare, City of Glass)
- "The poet spent his life writing verses to a woman who felt only unrequited affection for him." Describing a common literary theme.
Memory hook
Un-re-quiet-ed: Your love is not 'quieted' because it isn't returned. Unrequited = Un-returned.
When not to use
Don't use it for business transactions or favors; it is almost exclusively used for romantic feelings.
Fun facts
- The word 'quit' in 'requite' is the same 'quit' as in 'I quit my job'—meaning to be free of an obligation.
Related words
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