unknowingly
UK: ʌnˈnəʊɪŋli | US: ʌnˈnoʊɪŋli
adv. without awareness or intention
adv. in a manner that is not conscious or deliberate
The word "unknowingly" is built from the negative prefix "un-" (Old English "un-", meaning "not"), combined with the verb "know" (Old English "cnāwan", meaning "to perceive or understand"). The suffix "-ing" forms the present participle, and "-ly" converts it into an adverb. The word evolved to describe actions performed without conscious awareness, reflecting a logical progression from "not knowing" to "acting without knowledge."
She unknowingly offended him by forgetting his birthday.
He unknowingly walked into a private meeting.
The child unknowingly revealed the surprise party plans.
They unknowingly used expired ingredients in the recipe.
The email was unknowingly sent to the wrong recipient.