Aware

/əˈwɛr/

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonMental State
1 meaning1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

1

Knowing or perceiving something.

/əˈwɛr/

adjectiveneutralBeginner
Mental State

Having knowledge or perception of something.

I am aware of the time.

💡 Simply: Knowing something is happening.

More Examples

2

He was aware that he was being watched.

3

She became aware of a strange noise.

How It's Used

General

"She was aware of the danger."

Psychology

"Patients need to be aware of the potential side effects."

Idioms & expressions

be aware of

To have knowledge or perception of something.

"Be aware of your surroundings."

From Old English *gewaere, from *ge- + waere, meaning 'perception, watch'. The word's development reflects a gradual shift from a more concrete sense of 'perceiving' to the more abstract sense of 'knowing'.

The word 'aware' has maintained its core meaning of perception and knowledge throughout history, though its usage has become more prevalent in modern times.

Memory tip

Think 'a-ware' as in 'a-wake' to something, being conscious of it.

Word Origin

Original meaning

"perception, watch"

Base: aware
be aware ofbecome awaresharply awarepainfully aware

Common misspellings

a wareawaerawer

Usage

70%Spoken
30%Written