French word

inopinément

Pronunciation

IPA/inopinemɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adverbunexpectedly

Example

Il est arrivé inopinément hier soir.

He arrived unexpectedly last night.

Illustration for inopinément (unexpectedly)

More examples

Il a quitté la fête inopinément.

He left the party unexpectedly.

Core concept

An event that breaks into a situation without warning or prior expectation.

Common phrases

  • partir inopinément

    leave unexpectedly

  • faire irruption inopinément

    burst in unexpectedly

Similar words

tout à coup: All at once, with no gradual buildup.
à l'improviste: Unexpectedly and without time for preparation.
brusquement: In an abrupt way, marked by a sudden break or change.
subitement: Suddenly, with no prior sign and little delay.

Definition in French

De manière inattendue, sans qu'on s'y attende.

Word origin

Inopinément comes from French inopiné, from Latin inopinatus, formed with in- meaning not and opinari meaning to think or expect, plus -ment.

Usage tips

  • Inopinément is relatively formal and is less common in everyday speech than à l'improviste or tout à coup.

Related words

  • inopinéunexpectedadjective

Word lists with this word