Master confusing words with ease
Unbeknown vs. Unbeknownst
Unbeknown
/ˌʌnbɪˈnəʊn/Examples:
She went to the party unbeknown to her parents.There was a surprise waiting, unbeknown to the guests.Unbeknown to us, the plan was already in action.
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Antonyms:
Unbeknownst
Examples:
Unbeknownst to him, they planned a surprise party.She slipped away, unbeknownst to the bustling crowd.Unbeknownst to many, the artist lived in seclusion.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Unbeknown and unbeknownst both mean without someone's knowledge, but they differ in formality and usage.
- Unbeknown is the more common version used in modern English, and is typically used on its own.
- Unbeknownst tends to be used in older literature or in a more playful or dramatic context.
- Remember that both words involve some sort of hidden or secret action.
- If in doubt, unbeknown tends to be the safer choice in professional or formal writing.
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