Both Uses
unrequited
in
Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
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- 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
Definitions:
-
(1)
(unrequited) not returned (typically of feelings -- as in unrequited love)
-
(2)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) In classic literature as late as the 19th century, both requite and requited are used more than unrequited.
When not referring to returned feelings or other senses of return, requite may indicate a suitable non-cash repayment. To requite a wrong is to perform an act of revenge. To requite a kindness is to return a good deed.