Unexpectedly
/ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪdli/
Definitions
In a way that is surprising because it was not predicted or expected.
/ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪdli/
In a way that is not anticipated or foreseen.
The rain started unexpectedly in the middle of the picnic.
💡 Simply: When something happens that you didn't think would, or when it catches you by surprise. Like, you were expecting rain, but unexpectedly, the sun came out!
👶 For kids: When something happens that you didn't think would happen.
More Examples
He unexpectedly won the lottery.
The company announced unexpectedly large profits.
How It's Used
"I unexpectedly ran into an old friend at the store."
"The stock market unexpectedly surged after the announcement."
From 'unexpected' + '-ly'. 'Unexpected' derives from 'un-' (not) + 'expected', which comes from the verb 'expect', originating from Latin 'exspectare' (to look out for, await).
The adverb form gained prominence in the late 19th century, mirroring the increasing use of the adjective 'unexpected'.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'expect' and negate it with 'un-' and then make it into an adverb '-ly'.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: expectare (Latin) - to look out for, await