Both Uses of
unrequited
in
Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
- I pray you all, If you have hitherto conceal'd this sight, Let it be tenable in your silence still; And whatsoever else shall hap to-night, Give it an understanding, but no tongue: I will requite your loves.†
Scene 1.2 *requite = repay or returneditor's notes: Today, unrequited is used much more commonly than forms of requite. You'll probably learn unrequited first. The prefix "un-" means not, so when it's not there, the meaning of unrequited is reversed. This is the same pattern you see in words like unhappy, unknown, and unlucky.
- Hamlet return'd shall know you are come home: We'll put on those shall praise your excellence And set a double varnish on the fame The Frenchman gave you; bring you in fine together And wager on your heads: he, being remiss, Most generous, and free from all contriving, Will not peruse the foils; so that with ease, Or with a little shuffling, you may choose A sword unbated, and, in a pass of practice, Requite him for your father.†
Scene 4.7
Definition:
not returned (typically of feelings -- as in unrequited love)