unchanged
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌntʃˈeɪndʒd/
US
- /ənˈtʃeɪndʒd/
Description
- not altered
- same as before
- constant
Imagine building a magnificent sandcastle on the beach. You carefully sculpt towers and walls, but the tide relentlessly washes over it, changing everything. Now imagine a sturdy rock sitting nearby—through all the waves and wind, it remains unchanged. That's what "unchanged" means: remaining in the same state or condition as before.
Things can stay unchanged for many reasons. Sometimes nobody affects them, and sometimes they are stable enough to stay the same despite outside forces. A deeply held belief might remain unchanged even when someone hears new evidence. A landscape might remain largely unchanged for centuries. It is about staying the same when change could have happened.
"Unchanged" describes something that has remained the same, without any alterations or modifications. It implies a state of constancy despite the passage of time or exposure to influencing factors. Think of it as resisting change—holding firm to its original form or condition.
The word is often used in contexts where change is expected, highlighting the remarkable stability of something. For example: "Despite years of war, the village remained largely unchanged," emphasizing that the community persevered and maintained its character. Or, "Her love for him remained unchanged even after all these years," suggesting a deep and enduring affection.
"Unchanged" can also describe physical appearances or characteristics. "He looked remarkably unchanged since high school" means that his appearance had not changed much. It is important to note that unchanged does not necessarily mean perfect. Something can be unchanged but still flawed; it simply has not been modified.
Sometimes, "unchanged" is used in a more philosophical sense, referring to fundamental truths or principles. "The laws of physics remain unchanged," suggests these are universal and constant.
So whether describing a landscape, a relationship, an appearance, or a principle, unchanged signifies a steadfast resistance to alteration—a state of enduring sameness amidst the ever-flowing currents of change.
Examples
- 1
Physical appearance
The room looked almost unchanged after all those years.
- 2
Pricing
Ticket prices will remain unchanged until the end of the month.
- 3
Sales comparison
Sales were unchanged from last year.
- 4
Editing
The editor fixed a few spelling mistakes but left the meaning unchanged.
- 5
Opinion
Her opinion was unchanged by what she had heard.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unchangedadjective