ENGLISH
REFERENCE

unknowingly

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ənˈnoʊɪŋɫi// UK //ʌnnˈəʊɪŋli// un·know·ing·ly

adv. doing something without realizing it. You use this when you don't have the information or awareness that you are doing a specific thing.

adv. without knowledge or awareness of a particular fact or situation. Often modifies verbs related to participation or influence.


SIMPLE

She unknowingly walked into the wrong meeting room.

CONTEXTUAL

The hikers unknowingly crossed the border into the neighboring country while following an unmarked trail.

COMPLEX

By signing the updated terms of service without reading the fine print, many users unknowingly granted the company permission to sell their browsing data to third-party advertisers.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Typically placed before the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.

Pitfall

He did it unknowingHe did it unknowinglyLearners often use the adjective 'unknowing' where the adverb 'unknowingly' is required to modify an action.

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