51Թ

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View synonyms for

unawares

[ uhn-uh-wairz ]

adverb

  1. while not aware or conscious of a thing oneself; unknowingly or inadvertently.
  2. without warning; by surprise; suddenly; unexpectedly:

    to come upon someone unawares.



unawares

/ ˌʌəˈɛə /

adverb

  1. without prior warning or plan; unexpectedly

    she caught him unawares

  2. without being aware of or knowing

    he lost it unawares

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of unawares1

First recorded in 1525–35; unaware + -s 1
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Example Sentences

Muir added the bonus point before half-time, as Ben Spencer ran down the blindside from a scrum to catch Saracens unawares before passing to the winger, who sprinted over a tackle into the corner.

From

The entire plot is driven by Blackthorne’s revelation that even the Christian lords’ European allies are secretly building an army with which they intend to take all of Japan unawares.

From

That the government is always caught unawares shows a depressing underinvestment in the waterworks of its cities and its rural areas.

From

Because forecasters were caught unawares, so were local residents, who only expected perhaps a Category 2 storm.

From

They were taken unawares and couldn't salvage anything, she tells me as beads of tears roll down her face.

From

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