unbeknown — without the knowledge of someone; happening without someone being aware of it
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: without the knowledge of someone; happening without someone being aware of it
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌʌnbɪˈnoʊn/
Example Sentences
- Unbeknown to the teacher, the students had planned a surprise party.
- The cat had been stealing food from the neighbor's house, unbeknown to its owner.
- Unbeknown to the company, their competitor had already launched a similar product.
unbeknown
ADJECTIVE[/ˌʌnbɪˈnoʊn/]
without the knowledge of someone; happening without someone being aware of it
Sneaking out without parents knowing
Unbeknown to him, the unknown seed has grown
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Old English uncnāwen, meaning 'unknown' or 'not known'. The word evolved through Middle English and maintains its archaic character in modern English, particularly in the variant form 'unbeknownst', which appears frequently in formal or literary contexts.
Breakdown
un- (not, negation) + beknown (known, past participle of the archaic verb 'beknow' meaning 'to make known'). The prefix negates the state of being known or recognized.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Unbeknown to the teacher, the students had planned a surprise party.”
“The cat had been stealing food from the neighbor's house, unbeknown to its owner.”
“Unbeknown to the company, their competitor had already launched a similar product.”
“She had been practicing magic tricks, unbeknown to her skeptical husband.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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