Unbeknown vs. Unbeknownst

Attribute	Unbeknown	Unbeknownst
Definition	Not known or realized	Without the knowledge of
Usage	More commonly used	Less commonly used
Origin	Old English	Old English

Definition

Unbeknown and unbeknownst are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have slightly different meanings. Unbeknown is an adjective that means happening or existing without the knowledge of a specified person or persons. For example, "He left the party unbeknown to his friends." On the other hand, unbeknownst is an adverb that means without the knowledge of someone. For example, "Unbeknownst to her, he had been planning a surprise party."

Usage

Both unbeknown and unbeknownst are used to indicate that something is happening without someone's knowledge. However, unbeknown is more commonly used as an adjective to describe a situation or event, while unbeknownst is used as an adverb to describe an action or event. For example, "The thief entered the house unbeknown to the owners" uses unbeknown as an adjective, while "Unbeknownst to the public, the company was facing financial difficulties" uses unbeknownst as an adverb.

Etymology

The word unbeknown is derived from the Middle English phrase "unbeknown to," which means unknown to. It has been in use since the 16th century and has evolved to become a standalone adjective. Unbeknownst, on the other hand, is a more recent addition to the English language, with its first recorded use in the early 19th century. It is a contraction of the phrase "unbeknown to us," which has since been shortened to unbeknownst.

Formality

Both unbeknown and unbeknownst are considered formal or literary words and are not commonly used in everyday speech. They are more likely to be found in written language, such as in literature, journalism, or formal documents. While unbeknown is slightly more common than unbeknownst, both words convey a sense of secrecy or hidden knowledge that adds a touch of sophistication to the language in which they are used.

Examples

Here are a few examples of how unbeknown and unbeknownst can be used in sentences:

• Unbeknown to her, he had been planning a surprise party for weeks.
• She left the room unbeknown to her parents, who were busy in the kitchen.
• Unbeknownst to the public, the government had been conducting secret negotiations with foreign powers.
• He slipped out of the meeting unbeknown to his colleagues, who were engrossed in the discussion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while unbeknown and unbeknownst are similar in meaning and are often used interchangeably, they do have subtle differences in usage and formality. Unbeknown is more commonly used as an adjective to describe a situation or event, while unbeknownst is used as an adverb to describe an action or event. Both words add a sense of mystery or secrecy to a sentence and are best suited for formal or literary contexts.