Unbeknownst: meaning, definitions and examples
๐คซ
unbeknownst
[ หสn.bษชหnoสnst ]
unknown situation
Unbeknownst means not known or not aware of something. It is often used to describe a situation where someone is unaware of something that is happening, especially when it involves other people. This word can indicate a sense of secrecy or hidden knowledge. It often appears in literary contexts to create suspense or intrigue.
Synonyms
unaware, unknown, unrecognized.
Examples of usage
- Unbeknownst to her, they were planning a surprise party.
- He traveled across the world, unbeknownst to his family.
- Unbeknownst to the public, the company was facing financial troubles.
Translations
Translations of the word "unbeknownst" in other languages:
๐ต๐น desconhecido
๐ฎ๐ณ เค เคเฅเคเคพเคค
๐ฉ๐ช unbekannt
๐ฎ๐ฉ tidak diketahui
๐บ๐ฆ ะฝะตะฒัะดะพะผะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ nieznany
๐ฏ๐ต ็ฅใใใฆใใชใ
๐ซ๐ท inconnu
๐ช๐ธ desconocido
๐น๐ท bilinmeyen
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ชจ๋ฅด๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ุบูุฑ ู ุนุฑูู
๐จ๐ฟ neznรกmรฝ
๐ธ๐ฐ neznรกmy
๐จ๐ณ ๆช็ฅ็
๐ธ๐ฎ nepoznan
๐ฎ๐ธ รณรพekktur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฑะตะปะณัััะท
๐ฌ๐ช แฃแชแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ namษlum
๐ฒ๐ฝ desconocido
Etymology
The word 'unbeknownst' originates from the combination of 'un-' (a prefix meaning 'not') and 'beknown,' which is an archaic form of the verb 'know.' The term has been in use since the late Middle Ages and reflects an older form of English. It is often used in literature and formal writing, adding an air of sophistication to the expression of someone's ignorance about a particular fact or situation. 'Unbeknownst' has traditionally appeared alongside its variants, including 'unbeknown' and 'unbeknown to,' and it tends to evoke a sense of mystery or intrigue, especially in narratives where hidden truths are central to the plot.