unawares

• Adverbe signifiant « sans s'en rendre compte » ou « à l'improviste ». Il décrit une action qui survient soudainement ou à l'insu du sujet, souvent dans l'expression « prendre au dépourvu ».

An adverb meaning 'without being aware' or 'unexpectedly.' It is used to describe an action that happens by surprise or without the subject's knowledge, often in the phrase 'catch someone unawares.'

1. InadvertentlyC1formal

   Without forethought or plan; accidentally or unintentionally.

   par inadvertance

   • He caught her unawares with his sudden question.
   • The news took him unawares, leaving him speechless.
   • She walked into the room unawares, not realizing the meeting had started.

   Synonymesaccidentallyby chanceinadvertentlymistakenlyunintentionallyunknowinglyunwittingly

   Antonymesconsciouslydeliberatelyintentionallypurposelywillfully

2. Suddenly and unexpectedlyC1formal

   Occurring without warning or preparation; by surprise.

   à l'improviste, par surprise

   • The storm hit the town unawares, causing widespread damage.
   • The announcement came unawares, shocking everyone in the audience.
   • He was taken unawares by the sudden change in weather.

   Synonymesabruptlyoff guardsuddenlysurprisinglyunexpectedly

3. At a disadvantageC2formal

   In a position of vulnerability or unpreparedness.

   au dépourvu

   • The ambush caught the soldiers unawares, leaving them at a disadvantage.
   • She was caught unawares by the difficult exam questions.
   • The sudden financial crisis took the company unawares.

   Synonymesoff guard