awareness
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
- hyperawareness noun
- overawareness noun
- self-awareness noun
Etymology
Origin of awareness
Explanation
Awareness is the state of knowing something, such as the awareness that the sun comes up every morning. The adjective aware gets turned into a noun when the suffix -ness is added, so awareness is the state of being aware, or having knowledge of something. Its roots are Germanic, and come from the Old English wær meaning "wary, cautious." Awareness can be something you notice, want to tell others about, or already know. You could "raise awareness" of a cause, like fighting breast cancer. Yet, your awareness of the baby sleeping next door might prevent you from having band practice in the garage. Smart move.
Vocabulary lists containing awareness
Legend
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Schooled
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Earth Day
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
And there’s a sense of connection and awareness and being present.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026
“But the social aspect has to come with some innate awareness of what you’re doing. This is a big killer on pace of play.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026
"As awareness of these initiatives grows among athletes, staff and everyone working on the ground, that in itself contributes to a greater sense of psychological safety," said Chida.
From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026
He said more awareness can be brought through women speaking out about their symptoms.
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026
Danny Saunders screamed in Yiddish across the field, and more out of obedience than awareness the third baseman put a foot on the base.
From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.