Pronunciation: [ʌnɹˈuːʒd] (IPA) 
The word "unrouged" is spelled /ʌnruːʒd/, with the prefix "un-" meaning "not" and the root word "rouged" meaning "applied with rouge or blusher". The long "oo" sound in "rouged" is represented by the digraph "ou", and the final "ed" indicates the past tense of the verb. Therefore, "unrouged" means "not having been applied with rouge or blusher". This word is commonly used in the context of makeup or cosmetics.
The term "unrouged" refers to the absence or lack of rouge, which is a cosmetic product typically applied to the cheeks or face to add color or a rosy glow. The word is derived from the combination of "un-", a prefix indicating negation or absence, and "rouged," which refers to something that has been adorned or highlighted with rouge.
In a literal sense, "unrouged" describes a person's appearance without the application of rouge. It implies the natural complexion of an individual, unaltered by cosmetic enhancement. Without the presence of rouge, the skin's innate hue, shade, or tone is unaffected, allowing the individual's natural beauty to shine through.
Metaphorically, "unrouged" can also be used to describe something that appears or feels bare, genuine, or unadorned. It may connote simplicity, authenticity, or transparency, as if something is presented in its raw and unembellished form, without any artificial enhancement or cover-up.
Overall, whether referring to a person's physical appearance or the essence of something, "unrouged" signifies the absence of rouge or the absence of artificiality and serves as a reminder of the beauty and authenticity that lies within simplicity and naturalness.
The etymology of the word unrouged can be broken down as follows:
- Un- is a prefix in the English language that generally means not or opposite of. It is derived from the Old English prefix un-, on-, or an-, which served the same purpose.
- Rouged is the past participle of the verb rouge. Rouge comes from the French word rouge, which means red. It originally referred to the red cosmetic used to color the cheeks or lips. The term entered English in the early 18th century.
By combining the prefix un- with the verb rouged, we arrive at unrouged, which means not wearing rouge or lacking the application of red cosmetic.
