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

Nobody at Jefferies was aware of any possible fraud at First Brands, they said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The records show DEA officials were well aware of Young’s concerning behavior, yet still gave him increased responsibilities.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And no less unfortunately, we’re speeding down it quickly with a maniac in the driver’s seat, and it lacks the guardrails of a law-abiding Supreme Court and a constitutionally aware secretary of defense.

Read more on Salon

When asked about the arrests at a press conference, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said he was not aware of the case.

Read more on BBC

Warner’s board is aware of the proposal, some of the people said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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