Forewarn: meaning, definitions and examples

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forewarn

 

[ fɔːˈwɔːn ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

informing in advance

To warn (someone) in advance of something that is about to happen, especially something unpleasant or dangerous.

Synonyms

alert, notify, warn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
forewarn

It is often used when you want to inform someone about a potential danger or problem ahead of time, especially if it's something they might not expect.

  • He was forewarned about the storm, so he decided to stay indoors
warn

Used when telling someone about potential harm or danger, can be used in both serious and casual contexts. It may carry a slightly more negative or serious tone than 'forewarn'.

  • She warned him not to touch the hot stove
alert

Usually used in situations where immediate attention or action is required, often in the context of emergencies or important notifications.

  • They alerted the public about the incoming tornado
notify

Commonly used in formal or official contexts to inform someone about a fact or event, generally without any sense of urgency.

  • You will be notified by email once your package has been shipped

Examples of usage

  • He forewarned us of the approaching storm.
  • The teacher forewarned the students about the difficult test next week.

Translations

Translations of the word "forewarn" in other languages:

🇵🇹 avisar

🇮🇳 चेतावनी देना

🇩🇪 warnen

🇮🇩 memperingatkan

🇺🇦 попереджати

🇵🇱 ostrzegać

🇯🇵 警告する(けいこくする)

🇫🇷 avertir

🇪🇸 advertir

🇹🇷 uyarmak

🇰🇷 경고하다

🇸🇦 تحذير

🇨🇿 varovat

🇸🇰 varovať

🇨🇳 警告 (jǐnggào)

🇸🇮 opozoriti

🇮🇸 vara við

🇰🇿 ескерту

🇬🇪 გაფრთხილება

🇦🇿 xəbərdarlıq etmək

🇲🇽 advertir

Etymology

The word 'forewarn' originated from the combination of 'fore-' meaning 'before' and 'warn' meaning 'to give notice of impending danger or harm'. The term has been used in the English language since the 14th century, evolving to its current usage as a verb to indicate giving advance warning or notice.

See also: prewarn, warn, warning.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,013, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.