verb
Uncommon
beware
bee-WEH
Beware (verb) means to be cautious or watchful, often about a specific danger. Example: “Beware of the dog when you enter the yard.”
verb
1
To be cautious or watchful, often about a specific danger.
"Beware of the dog when you enter the yard."
"Visitors should beware of pickpockets in crowded markets."
"You should beware of slippery steps when it has been raining all day."
How to use beware
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA warning to watch out for something, often paired with "of."
Memory tip
Beware is only used as a command or infinitive ("Beware!", "to beware of") — it has no other tenses like "bewared" or "bewaring."
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Common pairings
beware of the dog
let the buyer beware
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- bewares
- Past tense
- bewared, bewore
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ of the dog when you enter the yard.
Etymology
From Middle English "be ware," literally "be wary/watchful" — a fusion of "be" and "aware."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for beware
See all rhymes for beware →Frequently asked questions
What does “beware” mean?
The word “beware” means to be cautious or watchful, often about a specific danger. In plain terms, a warning to watch out for something, often paired with "of.".
How do you pronounce “beware”?
“Beware” is pronounced bee-WEH (/biˈwɛɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “beware” in a sentence?
Here is “beware” used in a sentence: “Beware of the dog when you enter the yard.”
What part of speech is “beware”?
“Beware” is a verb.
Where does the word “beware” come from?
The word “beware” comes from Middle English. From Middle English "be ware," literally "be wary/watchful" — a fusion of "be" and "aware.".
Is “beware” a common word?
“Beware” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between beware and be careful?
Beware is typically used as a direct warning about a specific danger, often followed by "of," as in "beware of the dog," while be careful is a more general instruction to act cautiously in any situation. Beware has a slightly more formal or urgent tone.
Is beware only used in the imperative form?
Beware is almost always used as a command or warning, such as "beware the storm," rather than in ordinary tenses like "bewared" or "bewaring," which are not standard. This makes it somewhat unusual among English verbs, since it functions mainly in one grammatical form.
When is it appropriate to use beware instead of watch out?
Beware suits formal warnings, signs, and written notices, such as "beware of falling rocks," while watch out is more common in spoken, everyday speech for the same kind of caution. Both convey the need to be watchful about a specific danger.
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