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Unsuspected Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unsuspected

[ˌʌnsəˈspektɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

unexpected

Not expected or anticipated; surprising.

Synonyms

surprising, unanticipated, unexpected, unforeseen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unsuspected

Use when something was not imagined or anticipated at all, often with a sense of hidden or secret meaning.

  • The disease had unsuspected side effects.
  • He had unsuspected talents that no one knew about.
unexpected

Use to describe something that was not foreseen; it comes suddenly and can be positive, negative, or neutral.

  • She received an unexpected gift in the mail.
  • His unexpected arrival caused quite a stir.
surprising

Use when something is startling or causes sudden astonishment, often in a positive or neutral sense.

  • It was surprising to see him at the party.
  • Her performance was surprisingly good.
unforeseen

Use in situations that involve planning or anticipation, often with a negative connotation.

  • They ran into unforeseen complications during the trip.
  • Due to unforeseen circumstances, the meeting was canceled.
unanticipated

Use in formal contexts to describe something that was not expected or planned for.

  • The project faced unanticipated delays.
  • There were unanticipated expenses that pushed back the schedule.

Examples of usage

  • It was an unsuspected turn of events.
  • The discovery of the hidden treasure was completely unsuspected.
  • She had an unsuspected talent for painting.
  • The unsuspected arrival of a long-lost friend brought joy to her heart.
  • The unsuspected truth finally came to light.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many mystery novels hinge on unsuspected twists that surprise the reader, keeping them guessing until the end.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, several plot developments are built around unsuspected motives of characters, leading to dramatic conclusions.

Pop Culture

  • In films, unsuspected betrayals create suspense, as characters reveal their true intentions unexpectedly.
  • Reality TV often showcases unsuspected relationships or secrets among contestants, leading to shocking revelations.

Psychology

  • Cognitive biases can lead people to remain unsuspected of certain truths, as they more readily accept familiar information.
  • The mere exposure effect suggests that people can develop preferences for things that were previously unsuspected but encountered repeatedly.

Everyday Life

  • Sometimes, events like winning a lottery or getting a surprise visitor can be considered unsuspected moments that bring joy.
  • In daily life, a person may have an unsuspected talent, like singing beautifully, that surprises everyone around them.

Origin of 'unsuspected'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'suspectus', meaning 'to look up or look toward', with 'un-' meaning 'not or opposite'.
  • It first appeared in written English in the early 19th century, typically associated with situations or events that surprise people.

The word 'unsuspected' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of' and the past participle of the verb 'suspect'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. Over time, 'unsuspected' has evolved to describe something that is not expected or anticipated, adding depth to the vocabulary of surprise and unpredictability.

See also: suspect, suspected, suspectly, suspicion, unsuspecting.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,125, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.