aware

[uh-wair]

adjective

1. having knowledge; conscious; cognizant.

   aware of danger.

   Synonyms: mindful
   Antonyms: oblivious

2. informed; alert; knowledgeable; sophisticated.

   She is one of the most politically aware young women around.

aware

/ əˈwɛə /

adjective

1. having knowledge; cognizant

   aware of his error

2. informed of current developments

   politically aware

Other Word Forms

• awareness noun
• hyperaware adjective
• self-aware adjective
• well-aware adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of aware¹

First recorded before 1100; Middle English, variant of iwar, Old English gewær “watchful” (cognate with Old High German, Old Saxon giwar, German gewahr ), equivalent to ge- y- + wær ware ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of aware¹

Old English gewær; related to Old Saxon, Old High German giwar Latin verērī to be fearful; see _beware , _wary

Synonym Study

See conscious.

Example Sentences

Andrew Cheung, who was visiting New York from Seattle, said that after receiving the email he spoke to two Marriott loyalty-program representatives, but neither was aware of the situation at first.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The prime minister has said he is "acutely aware" that women in public life are subjected to greater levels of criticism and abuse than men and "it's about time we acknowledge that".

Read more on BBC

But the decision isn’t nearly as simple as it seems, with all sorts of issues that neither parent nor child is initially aware of.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Defenders could step out more proactively to block shots, chances could be stopped at source, or a more positionally aware defensive midfielder could focus on defending this zone.

Read more on BBC

In their statements, Indyke and Kahn said they weren’t aware of any abuse of the building’s occupants.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• alive 
• appreciative 
• apprehensive 
• attentive 
• awake 
• cognizant 
• conscious 
• familiar 
• informed 
• mindful 
• receptive 
• wise