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# unaware

adjective (unaware; used after a verb, often «unaware of», «unaware that»)

«unaware» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. Not knowing about something; not noticing it. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unaware/#m1)
2. (adverb «unawares») Without warning, by surprise: «caught unawares». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unaware/#m2)

### 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 →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unaware/#x1)
- The mouse was unaware of the cat behind it. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unaware/#x2)
- Many people are unaware of how much sugar is in fizzy drinks. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unaware/#x3)
- I was unaware the shop had closed. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unaware/#x4)
- The storm caught the campers unawares. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unaware/#x5)
- He walked on, unaware he had dropped his wallet. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unaware/#x6)
- "Don't be angry," said the little bird; "the 'tweet' slipped out of my beak unawares." [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unaware/#x7)

### 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 →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/U/unaware/#x1)
- 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 →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/U/unaware/#x2)
- 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 →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/U/unaware/#x3)
- 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 →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/U/unaware/#x4)
- 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 →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/U/unaware/#x5)

### 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.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «unaware» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unaware/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«unaware» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/unaware.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «unaware» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/U/unaware/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«unaware» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/unaware.html) on Mova free.