Warning: meaning, definitions and examples

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warning

 

[ ˈwɔːrnɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

safety

A statement or event that indicates a possible danger, problem, or other unpleasant situation.

Synonyms

admonition, alert, caution, notification.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
warning

Used to inform someone of a possible danger or problem. It often conveys urgency or seriousness.

  • He ignored the warning about the slippery floors
  • The weather service issued a storm warning
alert

Used to inform someone to be watchful and prepared for potential danger or a specific event.

  • The town received an alert about the incoming tornado
  • Parents were alerted to the recall of a children's toy
admonition

Used to give a gentle or earnest reprimand. It often suggests advice or mild criticism.

  • She offered an admonition against spending too much time on social media
  • His teacher's admonition made him reconsider his behavior
caution

Used to advise someone to take care or avoid potential danger or trouble. It suggests preventive measures.

  • Proceed with caution on the icy roads
  • The lab technician exercised caution when handling the chemicals
notification

Used to inform someone officially or formally about something. It may not necessarily involve danger.

  • She received a notification about the scheduled maintenance
  • An email notification alerted him to the change in his schedule

Examples of usage

  • The weather warning advised people to stay indoors due to the approaching storm.
  • The warning signs on the road helped drivers slow down in time.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

A formal or informal notice that something must be done or avoided.

Synonyms

admonition, caution, notice, ultimatum.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
warning

Used to alert someone about a potential danger or problem.

  • The weather service issued a tornado warning.
  • She gave him a warning about the slippery floor.
notice

Used to inform someone of an event, change, or requirement. Generally neutral and informational.

  • The company sent a notice about the upcoming meeting.
  • She received a notice for jury duty.
admonition

Used to give someone advice or a mild reprimand, often in a context of moral or ethical guidance.

  • The teacher's admonition about cheating was clear.
  • He offered an admonition to her not to trust strangers.
caution

Used to advise someone to avoid danger or mistakes by being careful. Often more gentle than a warning.

  • Proceed with caution as the road is icy.
  • He approached the suspicious package with extreme caution.
ultimatum

Used to present a final demand or statement of terms, with an implicit threat of severe consequences if conditions are not met. Typically has a negative or aggressive connotation.

  • The rebels issued an ultimatum to the government.
  • He gave her an ultimatum: 'Marry me or it's over.'

Examples of usage

  • The company received a warning from the authorities about violating environmental regulations.
  • The teacher gave the student a warning before taking further disciplinary action.
Context #3 | Verb

safety

To inform someone in advance of a possible danger, problem, or other unpleasant situation.

Synonyms

advise, alert, caution, forewarn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
warning

Use this word to indicate a message or signal that something bad might happen. It is often used in signs, labels, and verbal notifications.

  • The weather service issued a warning about the upcoming storm
  • The sign served as a warning of the dangerous road ahead
alert

This word is suitable for notifying people about something important that needs immediate attention or action. Often used in emergency situations.

  • The company sent out an alert about the data breach
  • Firefighters alerted residents to evacuate due to the wildfire
caution

Best used to show carefulness and to avoid potential danger or problems. Often appears in public notices and safety instructions.

  • Drivers are advised to exercise caution when driving through fog
  • Caution: Wet floor
advise

Use this word when recommending or suggesting someone to do something, typically based on knowledge or expertise.

  • The doctor advised her to get plenty of rest
  • I would advise against buying that used car; it has too many issues
forewarn

Use this word to inform someone about a possible future problem or danger in advance. It has a proactive connotation.

  • She was forewarned about the risks involved in the investment
  • The guide chose to forewarn the hikers of the rough terrain ahead

Examples of usage

  • She warned her friends about the icy conditions on the road.
  • The doctor warned the patient about the side effects of the medication.

Translations

Translations of the word "warning" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aviso

🇮🇳 चेतावनी

🇩🇪 Warnung

🇮🇩 peringatan

🇺🇦 попередження

🇵🇱 ostrzeżenie

🇯🇵 警告 (けいこく)

🇫🇷 avertissement

🇪🇸 advertencia

🇹🇷 uyarı

🇰🇷 경고 (gyeong-go)

🇸🇦 تحذير

🇨🇿 varování

🇸🇰 varovanie

🇨🇳 警告 (jǐnggào)

🇸🇮 opozorilo

🇮🇸 viðvörun

🇰🇿 ескерту

🇬🇪 გაფრთხილება

🇦🇿 xəbərdarlıq

🇲🇽 advertencia

Etymology

The word 'warning' originated from the Old English word 'warnian', meaning 'to give notice of impending danger'. It has been used in English since the 12th century. Over time, 'warning' has evolved to encompass various contexts, from safety alerts to legal notifications. The concept of warning is deeply rooted in human survival instincts, emphasizing the importance of being prepared and informed about potential risks.

See also: forewarn, prewarn, warn.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,347, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.