Words / C1

un-SEEN/ˌʌnˈsiːn/

Unseen means not seen or noticed; in exams, a paper candidates have not met before: an unseen paper, unseen damage. Visible sits opposite; a rehearsal is practice, not invigilation.

Meaning

Not seen or noticed; of an exam, not previously shown to candidates.

Examples

• “An unseen paper still needs a named invigilator in the room.”
• “Hidden is a cousin. Invisible is stronger. A rehearsal is practice. A sitting is a room with a spare. Staff the room; save the rehearsal for the hall.”

Good to know

Not seen; also an unseen exam paper. A rehearsal ≠ invigilation.

Near in meaning

hidden

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