unbeknown
[ uhn-bi-nohn ]
/ ˌʌn bɪˈnoʊn /
adjective
unknown; unperceived; without one's knowledge (usually followed by to).
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Also
un·be·knownst [uhn-bi-nohnst]. /ˌʌn bɪˈnoʊnst/. Origin of unbeknown
1630–40;
un-1 +
beknown (late Middle English
beknowe, past participle of
beknowen); see
be-,
knownDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use unbeknown in a sentence
In reality, he and been off in Argentina with his girlfriend, unbeknownst to his wife.
Unbeknownst to him, the orb contains an Infinity Stone, which holds within it the power to destroy entire planets.
Unbeknownst to Rullo, Scotto had not only been caught by the feds but agreed to cooperate with them.
So, jealous Megan cuts the mom-to-be a check and sends her packing—unbeknownst to Don.
Unbeknownst to Butler, that issue already existed—and Westbrook was, naturally, its cover star.
His Majesty found that the Forge was not a bad residence for a King living unbeknownst.
Writing unbeknownst to her folks, with loose talk about her on the side, is another thing altogether.
However, she knew he did; so she slipped into the house unbeknownst, stole up to the giant's room, and crept in behind the bed.
Yer's been puttin' cotton in my baskit unbeknownst ter save me some lashes, an' yer throw'd it up ter me yistiddy.
Me blood was up whin I seen this spalpeen wid his dirty set o' vagabones waitin' to murther me if they ketched me unbeknownst.
British Dictionary definitions for unbeknown
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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