Pronunciation: [ʌnbɪnˈə͡ʊnst] (IPA) 
The word "unbeknownst" is a somewhat uncommon term that means "without the knowledge of someone." Its pronunciation is [ˌʌnbɪˈnoʊnst], with the stress on the second syllable. The word has a unique spelling, and its origin can be traced back to the Middle English word "beknowen," which means "to make known." "Unbeknownst" is commonly used in academic writing, and it can serve as an alternative to the equally uncommon "unbeknown."
Unbeknownst is an adverb that conveys the idea of occurring or happening without the knowledge, awareness, or realization of someone or something. It describes a situation where there is a lack of understanding or awareness of a particular event, fact, or circumstance. The term often introduces a surprise element or a sudden revelation of information, emphasizing that something happened or existed without prior knowledge.
Used mainly in formal or literary contexts, unbeknownst suggests a hidden or undisclosed aspect that is eventually discovered or revealed. It implies that something was happening secretly or contrary to what was expected or assumed. For example, "Unbeknownst to her, he had been planning a surprise party for her birthday."
The term can also portray ignorance or lack of awareness from the speaker's viewpoint. It highlights the disparity in knowledge between two parties, where one is aware of certain information while the other remains oblivious. It conveys a sense of mystery or suspense, implying that there might be more to the situation than initially perceived.
Overall, unbeknownst is a potent word that emphasizes the element of surprise or hidden knowledge, suggesting a contrast between what is known and what is revealed, and adding intrigue to a situation or narrative.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "unbeknownst" is an adverb that means "without the knowledge of someone".
Its etymology traces back to the Middle English word "unknowing", which was formed from the prefix "un-" meaning "not" and the present participle form "-knowing" of the verb "know". Over time, "unknowing" transformed into "unbeknown" in the 17th century, and eventually, "unbeknownst" emerged in the 19th century as an alteration of "unbeknown".
The term is rarely used in modern English, with "unbeknownst" often appearing in more formal or literary contexts.
