How to pronounce unbeknownst
Say it like un-bee-NOHNST. Unbeknownst has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NOHNST).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unbeknownst. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- un
- bee
- NOHNST
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unbeknownst pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- beeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- NOHNSTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of unbeknownst
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: un-bee-NOHNST.
What does unbeknownst mean?
- Without the knowledge of.“He went home early, unbeknownst to his mother.”
Where does unbeknownst come from?
Variant of unbeknown with excrescent -st.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying unbeknownst
How do you pronounce unbeknownst?
Say un-bee-NOHNST. The American pronunciation is /ənbiˈnoʊnst/. In British English it is /ənbiˈnəʊnst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unbeknownst?
Unbeknownst has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NOHNST). Broken into parts: un · bee · NOHNST.
Is unbeknownst 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 /ənbiˈnəʊnst/ (un-bee-NOHNST).