How to pronounce unbeknown
Say it like uhn-bih-NOHN. Unbeknown has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NOHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unbeknown. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uhn
- bih
- NOHN
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unbeknown pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- bihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- NOHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of unbeknown
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: un-bih-NOHN.
What does unbeknown mean?
- Not beknown.
Where does unbeknown come from?
From un- + beknown.
Words that rhyme with unbeknown
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unbeknown.
Questions about saying unbeknown
How do you pronounce unbeknown?
Say uhn-bih-NOHN. The American pronunciation is /ˌʌnbɪˈnoʊn/. In British English it is /ʌnbɪˈnəʊn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unbeknown?
Unbeknown has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NOHN). Broken into parts: uhn · bih · NOHN.
Is unbeknown pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ʌnbɪˈnəʊn/ (un-bih-NOHN).