unbowed — not giving in to pressure or defeat; unbroken in spirit
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: not giving in to pressure or defeat; unbroken in spirit
Pronunciation (IPA): /ʌnˈboʊd/
Example Sentences
- After failing the exam three times, he remained unbowed and signed up for the fourth attempt.
- The CEO stood unbowed before the angry shareholders, like a penguin facing a blizzard.
- My grandmother remained unbowed by age, still doing yoga at 85.
unbowed
ADJECTIVE[/ʌnˈboʊd/]
not giving in to pressure or defeat; unbroken in spirit
Unbroken spirit despite hardship
Though the crowd bows down, I stand unbowed and proud!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'unbowed' emerged in the 14th century from the combination of the negative prefix 'un-' with 'bow,' which derives from Old English 'bugan' meaning to bend or curve. Originally describing something physically not bent or curved, the term gradually evolved to carry a figurative meaning of refusing to yield or submit spiritually or mentally.
Breakdown
un- (not, negation) + bowed (past participle of bow, meaning bent or yielded). The term combines a Germanic negation prefix with a verb rooted in Old English, creating a compound expressing both literal straightness and metaphorical resistance to defeat.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“After failing the exam three times, he remained unbowed and signed up for the fourth attempt.”
“The CEO stood unbowed before the angry shareholders, like a penguin facing a blizzard.”
“My grandmother remained unbowed by age, still doing yoga at 85.”
“The soccer team was unbowed despite losing 10-0, immediately planning their comeback strategy.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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