Unbeknownst meaning in English

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Definition

(For reasons) unbeknownst (to me): (For reasons) unknown (to me), (for reasons) which I do not know adverbadjective

Examples

  • "Unfortunately, Philip dropped it in a cup of coffee and then Horatio threw it out of the window for a reason unbeknownst to me."
Exercise 1
Choose the TRUE statements from the list below according to Polly's email.

There may be more than one correct answer!
Choose the TRUE statements from the list below according to Polly's email.

There may be more than one correct answer!
Luna is allergic to coconuts. There is no evidence in this email which indicates that Luna likes coconuts. I don't like coconuts.
Polly writes that "any serious suggestions for gifts will be gratefully received", meaning that Polly will gladly or happily welcome ideas for this year's gift. The adverb "gratefully" indicates that an action will be gladly, or happily undertaken or performed. Example: I gratefully accepted the job offer as I had been unemployed for 3 years.
Polly writes, "make sure to bring your wallets" so that she can buy Icarus' present. A "wallet" is a type of purse or container to hold money, credit cards, identification and other items. When Polly asks the staff to bring their wallets she is asking them to contribute financially to a collective gift for Icarus.
This statement is false. Polly writes that Horatio threw Icarus' pen out the window "for a reason unbeknownst" to her. "Unbeknownst" is an old-fashioned term synonymous with "unknown" or "without one's knowledge". The entire expression "(He did it) for a reason unbeknownst to me" is a rather poetic way of saying "I don't know why he did it".

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