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prep B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

unto

UHN-tuu
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Unto (prep) means an old-fashioned or formal word for "to", especially showing direction or an indirect object. Example: “The old hymn says a child is born unto us.”

prep
1
An old-fashioned or formal word for "to", especially showing direction or an indirect object.
"The old hymn says a child is born unto us."
"In the story, the king spoke unto his servants and gave his orders."
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

How to use unto

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old-fashioned way of saying 'to' — still seen in religious, legal, or literary text and set phrases.

When to use it

Archaic outside fixed expressions like 'do unto others'; in ordinary modern writing just use 'to'.

Easily confused with
until → onto →
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The old hymn says a child is born _____ us.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English unto, from Old English *untō or *und tō, equivalent to un- ("against; toward; up to") plus to. It is cognate with Old Frisian ont to ("until"; which gives Saterland Frisian antou, "until") (compare Old Frisian und, "up to; till", and Old Frisian til, "till; to"), Old Saxon untō or untuo ("until"), Old High German unze, unzi or unza ("until"), Old Norse und ("as far as; up to"), and Gothic ???? (untē, "until; as long as").

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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to toward towards

Related words

to from into towards toward sideways fromward whither

Frequently asked questions

What does “unto” mean?
The word “unto” means an old-fashioned or formal word for "to", especially showing direction or an indirect object. In plain terms, an old-fashioned way of saying 'to' — still seen in religious, legal, or literary text and set phrases.
How do you pronounce “unto”?
“Unto” is pronounced UHN-tuu (/ˈʌntə/ in IPA).
How do you use “unto” in a sentence?
Here is “unto” used in a sentence: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
What part of speech is “unto”?
“Unto” is a preposition.
Is “unto” a common word?
“Unto” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between unto and to?
Both are prepositions that can show direction or mark an indirect object, but "unto" is archaic and formal while "to" is the everyday standard. In modern English "to" is almost always the natural choice, and "unto" now sounds deliberately old-fashioned.
When should you use unto instead of to?
Reserve "unto" for writing that intentionally echoes older or elevated English, such as quotations from historic scripture, poetry, or formal ceremony. In ordinary speech and writing, "to" is the correct and natural preposition.
Is unto still used in modern English?
"Unto" is rarely used today and is considered archaic. It survives mainly in fixed expressions and older texts rather than in current everyday English.
What are common phrases that use unto?
"Unto" is best known from set phrases preserved from older English, such as "do unto others." These fixed expressions keep the word familiar even though it has otherwise dropped out of everyday use.

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