Both Uses of
unrequited
in
Henry VIII
- At his return No doubt he will requite it.†
Scene 2.1 *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.
- My sovereign, I confess your royal graces, Shower'd on me daily, have been more than could My studied purposes requite, which went Beyond all man's endeavours.†
Scene 3.2
Definitions:
-
(1)
(unrequited) not returned (typically of feelings -- as in unrequited love)
-
(2)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) 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.