uncertain English · revision 10680

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=before 1300|origins=en certain}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /ʌnˈsɜː.tən/, US /ʌnˈsɝː.tən/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed from [[un-]], not, and [[certain]].^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Not fixed in time or occurrence, also unknown and unknowable: before 1300 in the OED, the early 14th century in Etymonline.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Not fixed in amount and dependent on chance are from 1303,^(OED 1989) subject to doubt from 1338,^(OED 1989) and liable to change, unreliable, from 1477.^(OED 1989) Of people, not fully confident or lacking sure knowledge, is from the late 14th century, implied in ''uncertainty''.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * before 1300 – not fixed in time.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1303 – dependent on chance.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1338 – doubtful.^(OED 1989)

+ * late 14th century – not sure (of persons).^(Etymonline)

+ * 1477 – changeable.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Not known or settled; [[doubtful]]: ''the outcome is uncertain''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Not sure or confident: ''uncertain of the way''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Not decided: ''uncertain plans''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Liable to change; [[unreliable]]: ''an uncertain temper''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[uncertainly]]

+ * [[uncertainness]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[uncertainty]]

+ * [[certain]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}