beware etymology

Etymology: Middle English biwaren, from Old English bewar(i)an ("to take heed of, guard against, be on one's guard"), equivalent to be- ("intensive prefix") + ‎ware ("wary, cautious").

Meaning:

  1. (transitive) To take heed of; to be cautious or wary; to be on one's guard (against something).
  2. (transitive) To keep safe or guard from harm or loss.
  3. (transitive) To be aware of or take notice of something.

Origin:

The word "beware" is derived from the Old English word "bewar(i)an," which means "to take heed of, guard against, be on one's guard." This word is composed of the prefix "be-," which means "intensive," and the word "ware," which means "wary, cautious."

The word "beware" has been used in English since the 13th century. It was originally used to refer to taking heed of danger or harm, but it has since come to be used more generally to refer to being cautious or wary of something.

Examples:

  • "Beware of the dog."
  • "I must beware of eating too much."
  • "I wasn't aware of the problem until it was too late."

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