unaware

Everyday

1. Not knowing about something; not noticing it. tree →
2. (adverb «unawares») Without warning, by surprise: «caught unawares». tree →

In the lessons

In stories it builds suspense: the reader knows something the character does not («He was unaware of the danger»). In safety lessons: be aware, not unaware, of traffic and strangers. Phrases: «unaware of», «unaware that», «take someone unawares».

Examples

• She was unaware that her shoelace was undone. tree →
• The mouse was unaware of the cat behind it. tree →
• Many people are unaware of how much sugar is in fizzy drinks. tree →
• I was unaware the shop had closed. tree →
• The storm caught the campers unawares. tree →
• He walked on, unaware he had dropped his wallet. tree →
• "Don't be angry," said the little bird; "the 'tweet' slipped out of my beak unawares." tree →

Note

Used after a verb (be, seem, remain): «he was unaware», not «an unaware boy» in usual speech. Followed by «of» + noun or «that» + sentence. «Unawares» with -s is an adverb: «caught unawares». Opposite: aware.

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah, killing someone "unawares" means by accident, without hatred or plan.

Interpretation. Tradition says an accidental killer may flee to a city of refuge, where he is safe from the dead person's avenger.

Examples

• And this is the case of the manslayer, that shall flee thither and live: whoso killeth his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in time past; (Torah DEU.19.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• that the manslayer might flee thither, that slayeth his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in time past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live: (Torah DEU.4.42, JPS 1917) tree →
• Let destruction come upon him unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself; with destruction let him fall therein. (Writings PSA.35.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• that the manslayer that killeth any person through error and unawares may flee thither; and they shall be unto you for a refuge from the avenger of blood. (Prophets JOS.20.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver up the manslayer into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unawares, and hated him not beforetime. (Prophets JOS.20.5, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Used after a verb (be, seem, remain): «he was unaware», not «an unaware boy» in usual speech. Followed by «of» + noun or «that» + sentence. «Unawares» with -s is an adverb: «caught unawares». Opposite: aware.