aware
uh-WEH-uh
Aware (adj) means having knowledge or realisation of something. Example: “Were you aware of the change to the timetable before you arrived?”
adj
1
Having knowledge or realisation of something.
"Were you aware of the change to the timetable before you arrived?"
"She wasn't aware that the shop had already closed."
"He became increasingly aware of the noise outside."
2
Alert and watchful, especially regarding danger.
"Drivers must stay aware of cyclists when turning left at busy junctions."
"The lifeguard was always aware of the children splashing near the deep end."
"Stay aware of your surroundings when walking home late at night."
How to use aware
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishKnowing about or noticing something.
Common mistake
Aware is always followed by "of" when naming what you know about — "aware of the problem", not "aware the problem".
Common pairings
aware of the risks
become aware
fully aware
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- awares
- Past tense
- awared
- Comparative
- more aware, awarer
- Superlative
- most aware, awarest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Were you _____ of the change to the timetable before you arrived?
Etymology
From Old English ġewær, from Proto-Germanic *waraz, "aware, cautious" — related to Dutch gewaar and German gewahr.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for aware
See all rhymes for aware →Frequently asked questions
What does “aware” mean?
The word “aware” means having knowledge or realisation of something. In plain terms, knowing about or noticing something.
How do you pronounce “aware”?
“Aware” is pronounced uh-WEH-uh (/əˈwɛɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “aware” in a sentence?
Here is “aware” used in a sentence: “She wasn't aware that the shop had already closed.”
What is another word for “aware”?
Words with a similar meaning to “aware” include witting, in the know, on the ball, on the same page, sharp and up to speed.
What is the opposite of “aware”?
The opposite of “aware” — its antonyms — is unaware.
What part of speech is “aware”?
“Aware” is an adjective.
Where does the word “aware” come from?
The word “aware” comes from Old English. From Old English ġewær, from Proto-Germanic *waraz, "aware, cautious" — related to Dutch gewaar and German gewahr.
Is “aware” a common word?
“Aware” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between aware and conscious?
'Conscious' can mean awake and responsive, or deliberately noticing something. 'Aware' means having knowledge or perception of something, whether or not you're actively thinking about it. You can be aware of a fact without focusing on it, while 'conscious' often stresses active attention or simply being awake.
What is the difference between aware and mindful?
Being aware means knowing or perceiving that something exists. Being mindful goes further — it means actively paying attention, often to the present moment, with care and intention. Awareness can be passive background knowledge; mindfulness is a deliberate, focused state of attention that you choose to maintain.
What does 'self-aware' mean?
Self-aware means having a clear understanding of your own character, feelings, motives, and effect on others. A self-aware person recognises their strengths and flaws honestly. The term is also used in technology and philosophy to describe a system or being that has knowledge of its own existence.
What is the opposite of aware?
The main opposites are 'unaware,' 'oblivious,' and 'ignorant' — all meaning lacking knowledge or perception of something. 'Unaware' is the neutral counterpart, while 'oblivious' suggests being completely unmindful of what's happening around you, and 'ignorant' stresses a lack of knowledge or information.
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