Meaning & use
aware
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Meaning
adjectiveafter a verb
Knowing that something exists, is happening, or is true because you have noticed it or learned it.
Grammar: Usually follows a linking verb: be aware of the risk; it rarely comes before a noun.
Patterns
- aware of something
- aware that
- become aware of something
She was aware of footsteps behind her.
He became aware that the room had gone silent.
We are fully aware of the cost.
Common combinations
- well aware
- They were well aware that the deadline was close.
- fully aware
- I am fully aware of my responsibilities.
- barely aware
- Half asleep, she was barely aware of the rain.
- aware of the danger
- Stay aware of the danger near the tracks.
Synonyms and how they differ
- conscious
- Very close to aware, but often emphasizes noticing a sensation or fact in the moment.
- mindful
- Suggests deliberately remembering a duty or risk, not just knowing information.
- informed
- Means knowing facts after receiving information, while aware can be a sudden realization.
- alert
- Implies watchfulness and readiness to react, stronger than simple awareness.
Opposites
Word family
- awareness noun
- Knowledge or recognition that something exists or matters.
Commonly confused: aware or wary? aware or awake?
aware vs wary
Aware means knowing; wary means cautious because you expect possible harm.
aware vs awake
Awake describes not sleeping; aware describes having knowledge or perception.
Practice
Choose the best completion: Parents should be ___ the apps their children use.
Choose one answer.
The fixed preposition is aware of: aware of the apps. 'Aware that' needs a clause, and to/for/about do not fit this pattern.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “aware”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.