Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
unbeknown [uhn-bi-nohn] ExamplesWord Origin adjective
- unknown; unperceived; without one’s knowledge (usually followed by to).
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-, known Examples from the Web for unbeknown Historical Examples of unbeknown
Where he come from and where he’s gone to is unbeknown to me.
The Poet at the Breakfast Table
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.
I told Grant if he could let Jeff Davis escape all unbeknown to himself, to let him go.
William Eleroy Curtis
All unbeknown to himself, she had made him stand for his King.
Florence L. Barclay
That, or a three-pronged fork, said Cole, unbeknown to any but herself.
G. A. Birmingham
That wonderful man, as is always prowling about, unbeknown to any one.
R. D. (Richard Doddridge) Blackmore
British Dictionary definitions for unbeknown 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 Word Origin and History for unbeknown adj.