untrained

Everyday

1. Untrained means not taught or practised in a skill or job: «an untrained helper». tree →
2. An untrained animal has not been taught to behave or obey: «an untrained puppy». tree →
3. An untrained eye or ear cannot notice what an expert can. tree →

In the lessons

In safety lessons, untrained people should not do dangerous jobs (electrical work, diving rescues); call trained helpers. In everyday life, untrained puppies chew and jump. In science and art, «to the untrained eye» means to someone who is not an expert. Phrases: «to the untrained eye», «untrained staff», «untrained dog».

Examples

• An untrained puppy will chew your shoes. tree →
• To the untrained eye, the two birds look the same. tree →
• Untrained people should not climb into a sewer to rescue someone. tree →
• The new helpers were untrained, so the coach showed them what to do. tree →
• My voice is untrained, but I love singing. tree →
• It is dangerous for untrained divers to go into caves. tree →

Note

Adjective. Opposite: trained, skilled. Common phrase: «to the untrained eye/ear».

In Jewish tradition

In Jeremiah it is a calf not yet trained to the yoke, a picture of Ephraim, the northern kingdom.

Interpretation. The verse is read on Rosh Hashanah, as a call for return. Ephraim admits being wild, asks God to turn him, and then repents.

Examples

• I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself: 'Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a calf untrained; turn thou me, and I shall be turned, for Thou art the LORD my God. (Prophets JER.31.18, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adjective. Opposite: trained, skilled. Common phrase: «to the untrained eye/ear».