What is unbeknownst?

• Meaning: Unbeknownst means without the knowledge of someone. It signifies that a situation or action is happening without a particular person being aware of it. It's synonymous with words like "unbeknown," "unawares," and "without one's knowledge."

• Usage: It is often used parenthetically or adverbially to introduce a fact or situation that is happening secretly or without the subject's conscious perception. For example, "Unbeknownst to him, she had already left."

• Part of Speech: Unbeknownst functions as an adverb.

• Formal/Informal: While understandable, unbeknownst is considered somewhat archaic or formal in modern English. Simpler alternatives are often preferred, especially in casual conversation.

• Examples in Sentences:

  • "https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Unbeknownst%20to%20me," she was planning a surprise party.
  • The spy, "https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/unbeknownst%20to%20the%20guards," slipped past security.
  • "https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Unbeknownst%20to%20them," their phone calls were being monitored.

• Origin: The word is derived from "be-" (prefix meaning "completely" or "thoroughly"), "unknow," and the suffix "-st" (adverbial suffix). It's a somewhat rare and unusual construction in modern English.

• Alternatives: More common alternatives include: "without his/her/their knowledge," "unawares," "secretly," "behind his/her/their back," or simply phrasing the sentence to clearly indicate the lack of knowledge.