How Do You Spell TOOK UNAWARES?

Pronunciation: [tˈʊk ˌʌnəwˈe͡əz] (IPA)

The phrase "took unawares" is pronounced /tʊk ʌnəˈwɛəz/. The letter combination "aw" in "unawares" is pronounced as a diphthong, which means that it contains two vowel sounds that glide together smoothly. The first sound is pronounced as a short "a" /ʌ/ and the second sound is pronounced as a long "a" /eə/. This combination can be tricky to spell, but it is important to get it right in writing to ensure clear communication. "Took unawares" means to surprise someone suddenly or unexpectedly.

TOOK UNAWARES Meaning and Definition

  1. Took unawares is a phrase used to describe a situation in which someone is caught completely off guard or surprised by something unexpected or sudden. The word "took" in this phrase refers to the act of seizing or capturing someone or something, in a figurative sense. "Unawares," on the other hand, means without prior notice, without being aware or prepared for what occurs. This phrase is often used to express the element of astonishment or shock that results from being caught off guard or unaware.

    When someone "took unawares," it means they were unsuspecting or ignorant of what was about to occur, and the occurrence resulted in an unexpected reaction. It can refer to various situations, such as being surprised by an unexpected event, caught off guard by someone's actions or words, or genuinely shocked by an unforeseen outcome. The phrase implies that the person is taken completely by surprise, with no prior knowledge or anticipation of the situation or event.

    For example, if someone unexpectedly receives sad news about a loved one's demise, they might say they were "took unawares," meaning they were completely oblivious to the news and it caught them completely off guard, eliciting a strong emotional reaction. Similarly, if a magician performs a trick that leaves the audience in awe, one might say the audience was "took unawares" by the magician's skill and sudden surprising outcome.

Common Misspellings for TOOK UNAWARES

  • rook unawares
  • fook unawares
  • gook unawares
  • yook unawares
  • 6ook unawares
  • 5ook unawares
  • tiok unawares
  • tkok unawares
  • tlok unawares
  • tpok unawares
  • t0ok unawares
  • t9ok unawares
  • toik unawares
  • tokk unawares
  • tolk unawares
  • topk unawares
  • to0k unawares
  • to9k unawares
  • tooj unawares

Etymology of TOOK UNAWARES

The phrase "took unawares" is not a single word, but a combination of two words: "took" and "unawares". Here is the etymology of each:

1. Took: The verb "took" originates from the Old English word "tēon", which means "to pull, draw, or drag". Over time, it evolved into "takan" in Middle English and eventually became "took" in Modern English.

2. Unawares: The word "unawares" is derived from the adverb form of the Old English word "awarian", meaning "to watch out for". In Middle English, it became "a wares" (literally "on one's guard"). By the 16th century, it transformed into "unawares", which is used to describe being caught off guard or unexpectedly.