Aware: meaning, definitions and examples

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aware

[əˈwɛː ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

mental state

Having knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.

Synonyms

cognizant, conscious, mindful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
aware	Use this word to indicate someone knows about something, often used in everyday situations. I was not aware of the changes in the schedule. They are aware of the new policies.
conscious	This word implies a deliberate or intentional awareness, often used when talking about personal responsibility or ethical considerations. She is very conscious of her health. We need to be conscious of our impact on the environment.
cognizant	This word is more formal and less common in everyday conversation. It's often used in professional or academic contexts. He is cognizant of the challenges we face. The company must be cognizant of environmental regulations.
mindful	Used to indicate a careful and thoughtful awareness, often with a focus on being considerate or aware of the present moment. He is mindful of his tone when speaking to others. Being mindful of your surroundings can improve your safety.

Examples of usage

I am aware of the risks involved.
She became aware of someone following her.
We need to be more aware of our surroundings.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

social situation

Informed or alert to a particular situation or development.

Synonyms

informed, knowledgeable, sensitive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
aware	Used to describe someone who has noticed or realized something, typically in a general or broad sense. She wasn't aware of the meeting happening upstairs
informed	Describes a person who has been given detailed information or has acquired knowledge about a specific topic. He is well-informed about the latest political developments
knowledgeable	Used for someone who possesses a deep and comprehensive understanding of a particular subject or area. She is very knowledgeable about ancient history
sensitive	This word typically has a dual meaning: emotionally aware or easily affected by external factors. It can have a negative connotation when describing someone overly affected by criticism. He is sensitive to environmental issues / She is very sensitive about her performance

Examples of usage

He was aware of the consequences of his actions.
She was aware of the importance of the meeting.
They were aware of the potential dangers.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

feeling or emotion

Having knowledge or perception of a feeling or emotion.

Synonyms

attentive, perceptive, sensitive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
aware	Use 'aware' to indicate general consciousness or knowledge of something. It does not imply special skills or deep understanding. She was aware of the noise outside. He became aware that someone was watching him.
sensitive	Use 'sensitive' when referring to someone who is easily affected by external stimuli or emotions. It can have a neutral or negative connotation depending on the context. He is very sensitive to criticism. She has a sensitive nature and often picks up on the emotions of others.
perceptive	This term is used to describe someone who notices things quickly and understands situations well. It often indicates a high level of insight. Her perceptive comments during the meeting impressed everyone. He is very perceptive about people's feelings and can sense when someone is upset.
attentive	This word is best for situations where someone is paying close attention to something or someone, often implying care or consideration. The teacher was very attentive to her students' needs. He listened in an attentive manner to every detail of the story.

Examples of usage

She was aware of the sadness in his eyes.
He became aware of her disappointment.
They were aware of the tension in the room.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'aware' derives from the Old English 'wær', which means watchful or attentive.
The prefix 'a-' suggests being in a certain state, while '-ware' relates to 'to be cautious or mindful'.

Psychology

In psychology, being aware means being conscious of your thoughts and feelings, which can help you better understand yourself and others.
Mindfulness practices focus on becoming more aware of your present moment, enhancing emotional well-being.

Pop Culture

Various songs, like 'I’ll Be Aware' by The Band Perry, promote themes of consciousness and being in tune with life.
In movies, characters often have pivotal moments where they become aware of their surroundings, leading to significant plot developments.

Education

Awareness in education can boost learning by promoting an understanding of personal learning styles and needs.
Teaching children to be aware of their environment can improve their safety and social interactions.

Philosophy

Philosophers debate the nature of awareness, exploring questions of perception and reality.
Some philosophies emphasize becoming aware of one’s thoughts and beliefs as a way to achieve personal growth.

Translations

Translations of the word "aware" in other languages:

🇵🇹 consciente

🇮🇳 जागरूक

🇩🇪 bewusst

🇮🇩 sadar

🇺🇦 усвідомлений

🇵🇱 świadomy

🇯🇵 意識している

🇫🇷 conscient

🇪🇸 consciente

🇹🇷 farkında

🇰🇷 의식하고 있는

🇸🇦 مدرك

🇨🇿 vědomý

🇸🇰 vedomý

🇨🇳 意识到的

🇸🇮 zaveden

🇮🇸 meðvitaður

🇰🇿 саналы

🇬🇪 ცნობიერი

🇦🇿 şüurlu

🇲🇽 consciente

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,453, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

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