beware
/bi'weə/
Definition
Verb (used without object or as an imperative): * To be cautious, watchful, or alert to potential danger, trouble, or harm. It is a warning to exercise care.
Usage
- As an Imperative: Most commonly used at the beginning of a sentence to give a direct warning.
- Beware! The path is icy.
- Beware of the dog.
- With "of": Used to specify the source of danger.
- You should beware of scams online.
- Beware of falling rocks.
- With "that" clause (less common): Used to warn about a situation.
- Beware that the stairs are very steep.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "Let the buyer beware" (Caveat emptor): A legal principle meaning the buyer is responsible for checking the quality of goods before purchase.
- In some used car sales, it's a case of 'let the buyer beware'.
- Literary/Formal Use: Can be used in a non-imperative structure, though this is less common in modern speech.
- They would do well to beware.
Variants and Related Words
- Bewaring: (Present participle, very rare in use).
- Bewared: (Simple past and past participle, extremely rare and often considered non-standard. "Was wary" or "took care" is preferred).
Synonyms
- Be careful: Exercise caution.
- Be wary: Be suspicious and cautious.
- Watch out: Be alert to danger (more informal).
- Take heed: Pay careful attention (more formal).
- Look out: Be vigilant (informal imperative).
Related Phrases
- Beware the Ides of March: A famous warning from Shakespeare's . It means "be cautious of March 15th."
- Beware of imitations: A common warning on products, advising customers to avoid counterfeit goods.
Verb
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be on one's guard; be cautious or wary about; be alert to
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Beware of telephone salesmen
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