Neglected - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

'Neglected' means to have suffered from a lack of proper care, attention, or maintenance. It implies a failure to fulfill responsibilities or provide necessary support. Unlike being actively harmed, 'neglected' suggests a passive form of mistreatment through omission. A neglected garden is overgrown and weedy, while a cherished one thrives. It can apply to physical objects, people, or even ideas. The effects of being 'neglected' can range from minor inconveniences to severe consequences.

Etymology

The word 'neglected' comes from the Latin 'neglectus,' the past participle of 'neglegere,' meaning 'to disregard' or 'to neglect.' 'Nec-' means 'not' and 'legere' means 'to gather' or 'to choose.' Thus, 'neglegere' literally means 'not to choose' or 'to ignore.' Over time, 'neglected' evolved to describe something that has been ignored or not given proper attention. Related words include 'negligence' and 'negligible,' all sharing the same root of disregard.

Related Words

Examples

• "The old car was neglected and rusted in the driveway."
• "She felt neglected by her busy parents."
• "The historical building was neglected and fell into disrepair."
• "He neglected his studies and failed the exam."

Encouragement

Be mindful of the things you might be 'neglecting' in your life, whether it's your health, your studies, or your relationships. Use 'neglected' to describe situations needing immediate attention! You can improve a situation using this word. ✨

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