unbeknown

[ uhn-bi-nohn ]

adjective

1. unknown; unperceived; without one's knowledge (usually followed by to ).

unbeknown

/ ˌʌnbɪˈnəʊn /

adverb

1. sentence modifierfoll byto without the knowledge (of a person) Also (esp Brit)unbeknownst

   unbeknown to him she had left the country

adjective

1. rare.
   postpositiveusually foll byto not known (to)

Word History and Origins

Origin of unbeknown¹

1630–40; un- ¹ + beknown ( late Middle English beknowe, past participle of beknowen ); be-, known

Word History and Origins

Origin of unbeknown¹

C17: from the archaic beknown known; see be- , know

Example Sentences

Twenty-year-old Tiller is supposed to be in college on an overseas program, but unbeknown to his dad, he has spent the last few months on a series of bizarre adventures in Asia.

From Washington Post

From which illustration I inferred that Mr. Lincoln wanted Davis to escape, "unbeknown" to him.

From Project Gutenberg

I inclose to you a tin pound note, which ye father sends to ye unbeknown to me.

From Project Gutenberg

Perhaps he was skeptical of his country's harboring such a rare beauty unbeknown to him.

From Project Gutenberg

Then she flew from the castle and donned her catskin robe again, and slipped into the scullery again, unbeknown to the cook.

From Project Gutenberg

Without one moment's warning, and unbeknown even to her husband, the lady went to the station and entered the train for New York.

From Project Gutenberg