unwittingly

UK: ʌnˈwɪtɪŋli | US: ʌnˈwɪtɪŋli

Definition

  1. adv. without being aware; unintentionally

Structure
un <not>wit <know>ingly <adverb suffix>
Etymology

unwittingly = un<not> + wit<know> + ingly<adverb suffix>

  • un: A prefix meaning "not," from Old English un-, used to negate the root.
  • wit: From Old English witan ("to know"), related to wisdom or awareness.
  • ingly: An adverbial suffix derived from Old English -lice, forming adverbs from adjectives (e.g., "wittingly" → "knowingly").

Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Old English unwittende ("not knowing"), combining un- (negation) + witan (to know). Over time, wit evolved to mean "conscious awareness," and the suffix -ingly standardized the adverbial form. The modern sense ("unintentionally") reflects the original idea of acting without knowledge or intent.

Examples

  1. He unwittingly offended her by forgetting her birthday.

  2. The spy unwittingly revealed classified information.

  3. She unwittingly signed a contract with hidden clauses.

  4. The virus spread unwittingly through contaminated surfaces.

  5. They unwittingly trespassed on private property.