Beware Meaning

/biˈwɛɚ/
C1

Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

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verbTo use caution, pay attention to (used both with and without of).

Beware lest you should miss the train.
Beware! There's a car coming!
Beware of dishonest traders in the tourist areas.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The sign on the gate warned hikers to ____ of the dangerous dog inside.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Please ____ of the dog when you enter the garden gate today city.

From Middle English bewar, be war, be ware, forms of Middle English ben ware (“to be on one's guard, be vigilant”, literally “be ware”), equivalent to be + ware or be + aware. Compare Old English bewarian.

"Behold, I send an Angel before thee[…]. Beware of him, and obey his voice." — 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Exodus 23:20-21:
"Beware the Ides of March." — 1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Iulius Cæsar”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene ii]:

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CEFR Practice Quiz
The sign on the gate warned hikers to ____ of the dangerous dog inside.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Please ____ of the dog when you enter the garden gate today city.

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