unspun
- adjective
- /ʌnˈspʌn/
- Literature
- That is why WikiLeaks and the Pentagon Papers are so important: only the truth—unspun, unredacted, whole, and real—can lead to understanding about why the world is the way it is.
Examples
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The documentary presented unspun accounts of historical events, allowing viewers to form their own opinions.
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She appreciated the journalist's unspun approach, which provided honest insights without bias.
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Voters need access to unspun information to make fair choices during elections.
Synonyms
Does not show personal feelings or opinions and treats people fairly
Saying something directly and honestly without hiding the truth
Does not let personal feelings affect a decision
How Spun
- Literature
Surface Forms
Morphology
unspun = spun (semi-transparent) = un + spun
Formally 'un-' + 'spun' is clear, but the figurative sense ('without spin'/'without slant') depends on knowledge of the journalistic/figurative meaning of 'spin', which not all learners have.
Etymology
Unspun comes from the prefix un- meaning 'not' and the verb spin meaning 'to twist', and in speech spin can mean 'to change a story so it sounds better'. So an unspun account is one that has not been 'spun' and is honest and direct.