Skip to main content
unspun

unspun

6.7
Presented clearly and honestly without exaggeration
  • adjective
  • /ʌnˈspʌn/
  • Literature
translation icon : sin adornos
  • 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

  • The documentary presented unspun accounts of historical events, allowing viewers to form their own opinions.

  • She appreciated the journalist's unspun approach, which provided honest insights without bias.

  • Voters need access to unspun information to make fair choices during elections.

Synonyms

unbiased
vsunspun
43 4.4

Does not show personal feelings or opinions and treats people fairly

is direct and honest as well as impartial
unvarnished
vsunspun
9 7.0

Saying something directly and honestly without hiding the truth

is also impartial and avoids exaggeration or manipulation
unbiassed
vsunspun
  • UK
5.8

Does not let personal feelings affect a decision

is direct and honest as well as impartial

How Spun

neutral
218 3.6
unspun
  • Literature
6.7

Surface Forms

unspun positive

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.