unawares — without being aware of or prepared for something; unexpectedly
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: without being aware of or prepared for something; unexpectedly
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌʌnəˈwerz/
Example Sentences
- The pop quiz caught the entire class unawares.
- My mom's surprise visit took me completely unawares - I was still in my pajamas at 2 PM!
- The sudden rainstorm caught the picnickers unawares.
unawares
ADVERB[/ˌʌnəˈwerz/]
without being aware of or prepared for something; unexpectedly
Caught completely off guard
Caught unawares by untied laces while climbing stairs, lost in urgent affairs!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This word emerged in Middle English as a combination of the prefix 'un-' (meaning 'not') and 'aware' (meaning 'conscious' or 'informed'), with the adverbial suffix '-s'. The expression has been in use since the Middle English period to denote a state of unawareness or lack of knowledge.
Breakdown
un- (not) + aware (conscious, informed) + -s (adverbial ending forming an archaic adverb form, similar to -ly in modern English).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The pop quiz caught the entire class unawares.”
“My mom's surprise visit took me completely unawares - I was still in my pajamas at 2 PM!”
“The sudden rainstorm caught the picnickers unawares.”
“Death often comes unawares to those who least expect it.”
📚Related Words
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