unexpectedly

UK: ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪdli | US: ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪdli

Definition

  1. adv. in a way that was not anticipated or foreseen

  2. adv. contrary to what was assumed or predicted

Structure
un <not>expect <await>edly <adverb suffix>
Etymology

The word "unexpectedly" is built from three clear morphemes:

  1. "Un-" (Old English "un-"), a prefix meaning "not," negates the root.
  2. "Expect" (Latin "expectare," from "ex-" [out] + "spectare" [to look]), originally meant "to look out for" or "await."
  3. "-edly" combines "-ed" (past participle suffix) with "-ly" (adverb-forming suffix), turning the adjective "unexpected" into an adverb.
    The word evolved logically: from the act of "looking ahead" (expect) to its negation (unexpected), then to the adverbial form describing an unforeseen manner.
Examples

  1. The rain arrived unexpectedly during the picnic.

  2. He unexpectedly resigned from his position yesterday.

  3. The test results were unexpectedly positive.

  4. She showed up unexpectedly at my doorstep.

  5. The movie’s twist ending unfolded unexpectedly.