Type in ➚ :
23 results in 0.0134s.

beware in Hindi हिन्दी

beware in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ

beware in Marathi मराठी

beware in Urdu اُردُو

beware in English

  • beware
    beware, intransitive verb, transitive verb, -wared,-waring.
    to be on your guard against; be careful.
    Ex. Beware! danger is here. You must beware of swimming in a strong current. Beware the fury of a patient man (John Dryden).
    (SYN) heed

Beware

Part of Speech

verb (imperative)

Pronunciation

/bɪˈwɛər/

Definitions

  • To be cautious, alert, or on guard against danger, harm, or risk.
  • To be careful or mindful of something harmful or undesirable.
  • To avoid or take heed of something that could cause harm or trouble.

Usage Examples

  • Beware of the dog, it bites!
  • She warned them to beware of the steep cliffs ahead.
  • Beware the Ides of March, as the soothsayer warned Julius Caesar.

Etymology

'Beware' comes from Middle English 'biwaren,' meaning 'to be wary of,' which is formed from the combination of the prefix 'be-' (meaning 'thoroughly') and 'ware,' from Old English 'warian,' meaning 'to be cautious or to guard against.' The word has been used since the 13th century in English.

Synonyms

  • Be cautious
  • Be careful
  • Take heed
  • Mind
  • Watch out

Antonyms

  • Ignore
  • Disregard
  • Overlook
  • Neglect
  • Ignore the warning

Translations

Language Translation Pronunciation
Spanish Cuidado /kwidaðo/
French Prudence /pʁydɑ̃s/
German Vorsicht /ˈfɔʁzɪçt/
Chinese 小心 /xiǎo xīn/
Hindi सावधान रहो /sāvadhān raho/
Arabic احترس /iḥtaris/
Russian Осторожно /ɐstəˈroʐnə/
Japanese 気をつけて /ki wo tsukete/
Portuguese Cuidado /kwiˈðadu/
Italian Attento /atˈtɛnto/
Swedish Akta /ˈakta/
Greek Προσοχή /prosoˈçi/

Regional Pronunciation Variations

  • In American English, 'beware' is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable: /bɪˈwɛər/.
  • In British English, the pronunciation remains similar but may sound slightly more formal, with a clearer enunciation of both syllables: /bɪˈwɛə/.

Historical Usage

'Beware' has been in usage since Middle English, dating back to the 12th century. It was often used as an imperative command to warn someone about potential danger or risk. In Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," the soothsayer famously warns Caesar to "Beware the Ides of March," which is one of the most famous uses of the word in historical and literary contexts. Over time, 'beware' has remained primarily a formal warning, often used to alert people to physical or figurative threats.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the act of saying 'beware' is often linked with an imperative to be cautious about potential dangers. In Western contexts, it can be seen in signs, warnings, or even in folklore, where ominous phrases like "beware the wolf" or "beware the haunted house" are used to instill caution. In some cultures, 'beware' is associated with superstitions or folklore, such as warnings of spirits or mythical creatures. In modern times, it is frequently used in a more literal sense to warn against physical danger but can also be used in a figurative context, such as warning against political or social risks.

More Information

'Beware' is a verb used to caution someone about a potential danger, risk, or something harmful. It is most often used in the imperative mood, commanding someone to be alert or careful. The word has a rich history, with early uses in Old and Middle English, as well as prominent literary examples like Shakespeare's famous line "Beware the Ides of March." Over time, its usage expanded beyond warnings of physical danger to encompass more abstract forms of caution, such as warnings against negative behaviors, people, or situations. Though somewhat formal, the word remains a powerful tool for emphasizing caution in various contexts, from everyday interactions to legal and safety warnings. In addition to its use in speech, 'beware' is often found in warning signs, advertisements, and public safety campaigns. In essence, 'beware' conveys the importance of awareness and mindfulness, reminding individuals to be vigilant in the face of potential risks or harms.

  1. home-page
  2.  › 
  3. language
  4.  › 
  5. konkani-dictionary-translation-meaning-of-beware