Both Uses
unrequited
in
Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
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- I will requite your loves.†
p. 39.1 *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.
- 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.†p. 231.9
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.