unbeknownst
pronunciation
How to pronounce unbeknownst in British English:
UK [ˌʌnbɪ'nəʊnst]
How to pronounce unbeknownst in American English:
US [ˌʌnbɪ'noʊnst]
-
- Adjective:
- (usually used with `to') occurring or existing without the knowledge of
-
- Adverb:
- without someone's knowledge
Word Origin
- unbeknownst (adj.)
- 1833, vulgar formation from unbeknown (1630s). No clear reason for the -st, but since 19c. this has become the dominant form.
Example
- 1. The war that was going on unbeknownst to the humans .
- 2. Often unbeknownst to the dieter , these diets induce dehydration .
- 3. Unbeknownst to august , they have already begun that journey .
- 4. Unbeknownst to me , she made all the arrangements .
- 5. Unbeknownst to me , a few chinese historians have addressed my questions as early as 1988 , and are still struggling to make their voices heard today .