Definition

Adjective: 1. Not shaped or finished by cutting or hewing: Describes a material, especially stone or wood, that remains in its natural, rough state and has not been smoothed, shaped, or given a refined form through the process of hewing (cutting with heavy blows). 2. Figuratively, not refined or polished: Used to describe something (like language or ideas) that is raw, crude, or lacks refinement.

Usage

The word "unhewn" is primarily used to describe building materials, particularly stone or timber, that are used in their natural, rough form. It often implies a rustic, primitive, or sturdy quality. It is a formal and somewhat literary term.

Examples

• The ancient wall was constructed from unhewn granite blocks.
• They built a simple cabin from unhewn logs.
• His poetry had a powerful, unhewn quality that some critics found appealing.

Advanced Usage

• "unhewn stone": A common collocation referring to rough, natural stone used in construction.
  • The monument was made of unhewn stone, giving it a timeless, earthy feel.
• Used figuratively to describe art, character, or expression.
  • The sculptor admired the unhewn potential in the raw marble block.

Variants and Related Words

• Hew (verb): To chop or cut (something, especially wood or stone) with an axe, pick, or other tool.
• Hewn (adjective): Shaped or made smooth by hewing.
  • Hewn timber beams supported the roof.

Synonyms

• Rough
• Uncut
• Unworked
• Unfinished
• Raw
• Crude

Antonyms

• Hewn
• Polished
• Smooth
• Finished
• Refined

Adjective

1. (of stone especially) not given a finished form by or as if by hewing
   • a house of unhewn grey stone roughly cemented together