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Clandestine vs Unbeknownst - What's the difference?

clandestine | unbeknownst |

As an adjective clandestine

is done or kept in secret, sometimes to conceal an illicit or improper purpose.

As an adverb unbeknownst is

(followed by to ) without the knowledge of.

clandestine

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Done or kept in secret, sometimes to conceal an illicit or improper purpose.
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  • * 2004 — (Penny Arcade)
    • In my imagination, all work place encounters between men and women result in clandestine sex.
  • * 2005 — (Stewart Lee), 90's Comedian DVD''
    • And I don't want anyone to think I dislike Catholicism because I don't. It's actually my favourite form of clandestine global evil.
  • (freemasonry, of a person or lodge) Not recognized as a regular member.

    • Synonyms

    * (done in secret) covert, furtive, hush-hush, secret, secretive, undercover * See also

    Related terms

    * clandestinely ----

    unbeknownst

    English

    Adverb

    (-)
  • (followed by to ) without the knowledge of
    • He went home early, unbeknownst to his mother.