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Unexpectedly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unexpectedly

[ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪdli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a surprising manner

In a way that is not expected or anticipated.

Synonyms

abruptly, suddenly, surprisingly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unexpectedly

Used when something occurs without prior notice or prediction, often neutral or slightly positive.

  • The meeting was unexpectedly canceled.
  • Their friends unexpectedly arrived with gifts.
surprisingly

Used when something occurs in a way that is unexpected and causes surprise, often positive or neutral.

  • Surprisingly, she finished the marathon in record time.
  • The food was surprisingly good.
abruptly

Used when something happens quickly and without warning, often with a feeling of rudeness or suddenness.

  • She abruptly left the room in the middle of the discussion.
  • The car came to an abrupt stop.
suddenly

Used when something happens quickly and without prior warning, generally neutral but can lean negative.

  • Suddenly, the lights went out.
  • He suddenly realized he had forgotten his keys.

Examples of usage

  • She arrived unexpectedly early for the meeting.
  • The news came unexpectedly and left everyone in shock.
Context #2 | Adverb

in an unanticipated manner

Without warning or preparation.

Synonyms

unforeseeably, unforeseen, unpredicted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unexpectedly

Used when something happens without a previous warning or anticipation. Common in everyday situations.

  • She arrived unexpectedly at the party
  • The meeting ended unexpectedly early
unforeseen

Used to describe events or consequences that were not anticipated, often in planning or problem-solving contexts.

  • The project faced unforeseen challenges
  • They had to deal with unforeseen circumstances
unpredicted

Used to describe events specifically once thought to be calculated or forecasted by models or experts but did not occur as anticipated.

  • The storm was unpredicted by the meteorologists
  • There were unpredicted economic shocks
unforeseeably

Used when something happens in a manner that could not have been predicted, often in legal or formal contexts.

  • The event was unforeseeably canceled due to regulatory changes
  • He was unforeseeably affected by the new policy

Examples of usage

  • The storm hit unexpectedly and caused widespread damage.
  • He made an unexpectedly generous donation to the charity.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Surprises can trigger the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine, which makes us feel happy.
  • Unexpected events can lead to cognitive dissonance, where our beliefs are challenged by new information.
  • Anticipation plays a crucial role in our emotional responses; the unexpected often heightens our excitement or anxiety.

Literature

  • Authors often use unexpected twists in stories to keep readers engaged and on their toes.
  • In poetry, an unexpected choice of words can create strong imagery and provoke deeper thought.
  • Classic literature frequently builds anticipation only to deliver unexpected outcomes, teaching themes of fate and chance.

Pop Culture

  • Unexpected plot twists are a hallmark of many popular films and TV shows, creating memorable moments.
  • Stand-up comedians often use unexpected punchlines for humor, subverting audience expectations.
  • Social media platforms thrive on unexpected content, as surprises often lead to virality and sharing.

Science

  • In statistics, unexpectedly high or low results can lead researchers to investigate further, uncovering new findings.
  • Unexpectedly strong weather events, such as storms, remind us of the unpredictability of nature.
  • In biology, unexpected mutations can lead to new traits, demonstrating the dynamic processes of evolution.

Origin of 'unexpectedly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not', and 'expected', which is from Latin roots meaning 'to look out for'.
  • It first appeared in English texts around the late 17th century, showing how language evolves over time.
  • The base word 'expect' carries the sense of waiting for something to happen, highlighting the surprise in its unexpected form.

The word 'unexpectedly' dates back to the mid-16th century, derived from the word 'expect' with the prefix 'un-' added to indicate the opposite meaning. It has been used in English literature and conversation to describe events or situations that occur in a manner not foreseen or predicted.

See also: expect, expectancy, expectant, expectantly, expectation, expectations, expected, expectedly, expecting, expectorate, unexpected, unexpectedness.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,697 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.