Unwitting
mediumNegative toneun-WIT-ing
adjective
Definition
Not aware of the full facts; unintentional
Memory hook
UN-WITTING: Without WIT (knowledge). An unwitting fool doesn't know what they've done.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“He was an unwitting accomplice to the crime.”
“Her unwitting comment offended several people.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“He was an ______ accomplice to the crime.”
Show answer
unwitting
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Unwitting is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "inadvertent" or "unintentional" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "deliberate".
Related GRE Words
inadvertent
Not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning
insensible
unaware, unconscious, or incapable of feeling
unconscious
Not conscious; unaware; done without awareness
abate
To reduce in amount, degree, or intensity
abiding
Lasting for a long time; enduring and unchanging
abstract
Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence
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