uncanny
|un-can-ny|
C1
/ʌnˈkæni/
strange or mysterious
Etymology
Etymology Information
'uncanny' originates from Scottish, specifically the word 'canny,' where 'un-' meant 'not' and 'canny' meant 'knowing' or 'careful.'
Historical Evolution
'canny' transformed into the Scottish word 'uncanny,' and eventually became the modern English word 'uncanny.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'not knowing or unfamiliar,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'strange or mysterious.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
strange or mysterious, especially in an unsettling way.
She had an uncanny ability to predict the future.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/02/17 16:22