Unwritten Meaning
/əˈnrɪtən/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjNot written.
adjOral or otherwise communicated without writing.
Sentence Examples
Tom was punished for daring to break the unwritten law.
This is an unwritten language.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
Although it is an ____ rule, everyone in the office knows not to take the last coffee.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
There is an ____ rule in the office that you should always clean your own coffee mug after several morning use today.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English unwriten, from Old English unwriten, unġewriten (“unwritten”), equivalent to un- + written.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The most important rule is unwritten but not unspoken. It is the rule of pronounceability. Sure, xzyqt looks grand, but how do you say it?"
— 2002 August 25, Erin McKean, “THE WAY WE LIVE NOW: 8-25-02: ON LANGUAGE; Neologist”, in The New York Times:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Although it is an ____ rule, everyone in the office knows not to take the last coffee.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
There is an ____ rule in the office that you should always clean your own coffee mug after several morning use today.