Words / B2

un-NOHN/ˌʌnˈnəʊn/

Unknown means not known: unknown number; cause unknown; an unknown quantity. Famous is not a clean opposite (that is well-known). Unidentified is close for people and bodies. Do not write “unknow” as the verb — that is not know. Science: unknown unknowns (jargon — explain if you use it).

Meaning

Not known; as a noun, a person or thing that is not known.

Examples

• “The long-term effects are still unknown.”
• “An unknown caller rang the ward, which is why security was alerted.”

Good to know

unknown + noun; still unknown; an unknown quantity. Close: unidentified. Verb: do not know (not “unknow”). Opposite of well-known, not of famous in every case.

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