awareness

American  

[uh-wair-nis] / əˈwɛər nɪs /

noun

1. the state or condition of being aware; having knowledge; consciousness.

   The object of the information drive is to raise awareness of what spreads HIV/AIDS.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• self-awareness
  noun
• hyperawareness
  noun
• overawareness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of awareness

aware + -ness

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.

Related Words

• alertness
• appreciation
• attention
• consciousness
• information
• perception
• realization
• recognition
• understanding