aware
adj. · v.-
1 knowing a fact (adj.) B1 Intermediateknowing about something or noticing that it exists.
having knowledge or perception of a situation or fact. Usually used with 'of' or a 'that' clause.
ExampleWere you aware of the change in the meeting time?
ExampleMost consumers are fully aware that prices tend to rise during the holiday season, yet spending habits remain largely unchanged.
UsageCommonly follows the verb 'to be' and takes the preposition 'of' or a 'that' clause.
PitfallI am aware about the problem.I am aware of the problem.Use the preposition 'of' after aware when followed by a noun.
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2 alert to danger (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatewatching out for problems or danger.
vigilant or on one's guard against potential difficulty or danger.
ExampleYou need to be aware when walking alone in a new city at night.
ExampleMountain hikers must remain constantly aware of shifting weather patterns, as conditions can turn treacherous within minutes.
- careless
- unheeding
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3 to inform (v.) C2 Proficiency Dialect Informalto tell someone about something so they know it.
to make someone aware of a fact or situation. This usage is nonstandard and typically found in specific dialects.
ExampleHe tried to aware me of the situation before the boss arrived.
ExampleIn certain regional dialects, you might hear a speaker attempt to aware their colleagues of a pending deadline.
UsageTransitive verb; takes a direct object.
Teacher's tipThis verbal use is rare in standard English; learners should stick to 'inform' or 'make aware'.
From Middle English aware, iwar, iware, ywar, from Old English ġewær (“aware”), from Proto-West Germanic gawar, from Proto-Germanic waraz (“aware, cautious”), from Proto-Indo-European worós (“attentive”), from wer- (“to heed; watch out”). Cognate with Dutch gewaar, German gewahr, Danish var, Swedish var, Icelandic varr.
- Nounawareness
- Adjectiveaware