All 3 Uses
unrequited
in
Medea, by Euripides
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- If chance yetjOjDejtq me Some path, if even now my hand can win Strength to requite this Jason for his sin, Betray me not!†
*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.
- That was my evil hour, when down the long Halls of my father out I stole, my will Chained by a Greek man's voice, who still, oh, still, If God yet live, shall all requited be.†
requited = repaid or returnededitor's notes: Today, unrequited is used much more commonly than requited, so 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.
- Let them she wronged requite her as they may.†
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.
Definitions:
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(1)
(unrequited) not returned (typically of feelings -- as in unrequited love)
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(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.