unknowing
/'ʌn'nouiɳ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Lacking awareness, knowledge, or information; being ignorant or uninformed about something: Describes a state of not knowing or not being conscious of particular facts, circumstances, or truths.
- Not done intentionally; inadvertent: Describes an action or state that occurs without conscious intent or realization.
Noun (archaic or formal):
- A state of ignorance; lack of knowledge: Refers to the condition of being unaware or uninformed.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- She was unknowing of the surprise party being planned for her. (She was unaware of the planned surprise.)
- The unknowing tourist wandered into a restricted area. (The uninformed tourist entered a restricted zone.)
- His unknowing remark offended several people in the room. (His inadvertent comment caused offense.)
Noun:
- The plan relied on the unknowing of the general public. (The plan depended on the public's ignorance.)
Advanced Usage
"in unknowing of": In a state of being unaware of something (formal/archaic construction).
- He acted in unknowing of the law's recent changes. (He acted without knowledge of the new laws.)
"the unknowing": Used as a collective noun to refer to people who lack specific knowledge.
- The advertisement was designed to target the unknowing. (The ad aimed to exploit uninformed people.)
Variants and Related Words
Unknowingly (adverb): In an unaware or inadvertent manner.
- He unknowingly broke the rule. (He broke the rule without realizing it.)
Unknowingness (noun): The quality or state of being unknowing.
- Her unknowingness about local customs was understandable. (Her lack of knowledge about customs was fair.)
Synonyms
- Ignorant: Lacking knowledge or awareness.
- Unaware: Not having knowledge or perception of a situation.
- Unwitting: Not done on purpose; unintentional.
- Oblivious: Not aware of or concerned about what is happening.
Antonyms
- Knowing: Showing or suggesting that one has knowledge; deliberate.
- Aware: Having knowledge or perception of a situation.
- Informed: Having or showing knowledge.
- Conscious: Aware of and responding to one's surroundings; intentional.
Adjective
- unaware because of a lack of relevant information or knowledge
- he was completely ignorant of the circumstances
- an unknowledgeable assistant
- his rudeness was unwitting
Noun
- ignorance (especially of orthodox beliefs)