Unwonted

Unwonted describes something that is not usual, customary, or expected. It signifies a departure from the norm or familiar pattern. It can pertain to events, behaviors, feelings, or appearances. The term highlights the element of surprise or difference, emphasizing that something is unfamiliar or out of the ordinary. This unfamiliarity can be neutral, positive, or negative, depending on the context. Essentially, 'unwonted' suggests a deviation from the established or anticipated, calling attention to something remarkable, unexpected, or uncommon, thereby making it stick in the mind as out of sorts. Furthermore, Unwonted events might be seen as peculiar, strange, or even unsettling. This is not to say that the quality is always unwelcome, as it can be useful for creative writing or to create a different perspective.

Unwonted meaning with examples

• The silence in the normally bustling city was Unwonted, creating an eerie atmosphere after the blackout. People peered from their windows, their usual routine interrupted, wondering what the silence meant for their security. It was a strange, uncomfortable sensation, completely out of sync with the day-to-day normalcy of city life and causing alarm.
• Her Unwonted generosity, offering to help with every task without even being asked, surprised her colleagues. It stood in contrast to her usual reserved nature, and they all began to think something might be wrong. The team wondered if a shift in mindset was the cause of the change, and whether the new kindness was sustainable.
• An Unwonted feeling of calm washed over him as he sat amidst the chaos, a strange contrast to his usual anxiety. It felt like a moment of complete peace, offering the potential to make the right choices and give the right actions to the situation. The serenity was so unexpected it made him feel the need to analyse its origins.
• The Unwonted appearance of snow in the desert created a stunning landscape, transforming the familiar sand dunes into a sparkling spectacle. The rare event drew curious onlookers who captured the wonder and marvelled at the beautiful combination of the unusual and the beautiful. Many decided to stay for days to soak it all up.
• She experienced an Unwonted surge of confidence before her presentation, defying her past nervousness in front of crowds. It was as though the new confidence was coming from an unknown location. She felt it was key to taking the new opportunity and allowing herself to succeed.