unbeknown
[ uhn-bi-nohn ]
/ ˌʌn bɪˈnoʊn /
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adjective
unknown; unperceived; without one's knowledge (usually followed by to).
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON PARENTHESES AND BRACKETS APLENTY!
Set some time apart to test your bracket symbol knowledge, and see if you can keep your parentheses, squares, curlies, and angles all straight!
Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT Also un·be·knownst [uhn-bi-nohnst]. /ˌʌn bɪˈnoʊnst/.
Words nearby unbeknown
unbearable, unbeatable, unbeaten, unbecoming, unbegotten, unbeknown, unbelief, unbelievable, unbelievably, unbeliever, unbelieving
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for unbeknown
British Dictionary definitions for unbeknown
unbeknown
/ (ˌʌnbɪˈnəʊn) /
adverb
(sentence modifier foll by to) without the knowledge (of a person)unbeknown to him she had left the country Also (esp Brit): unbeknownst
adjective
(postpositive usually foll by to) rare not known (to)
Word Origin for unbeknown
C17: from the archaic beknown known; see be-, know
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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