What is forewarn? Pronunciation and usage in English

forewarn means . Learn how to pronounce and use forewarn through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of forewarn

forewarnverb

/fɔːˈwɔːn//fɔːrˈwɔːrn/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "forewarn." It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables: It's typically pronounced in two syllables: for-warn

2. Breakdown of each syllable:

  • "for": Pronounced like the word "for" – as in, “for you.” It's a short, crisp sound.
  • "warn": This is the trickier part. It’s pronounced like “warn” as in "caution" or "warning." The "w" is silent.

3. Putting it together:

Say it slowly: "For-warn"

4. Sound Example: (I'll try to describe the sounds as best as possible - audio is always best!)

Imagine a quick, slightly stressed "for," followed immediately by a sharp, distinct "warn." It should feel like a single, flowing word, not two separate words.

Resources for Hearing it:

Tips:

  • Don’t stress the "r": The "r" in "warn" is a soft, quick tap of the tongue, not a strong, rolled "r."
  • The "w" is silent: Really focus on pronouncing "warn" as just "arn."

Do you want me to:

  • Record an example pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences using "forewarn"?

Usage and examples with the word forewarn in English

Let's break down how to use the word "forewarn." It's a more formal and somewhat literary word, so it's not used in everyday conversation as often as simpler words like "warn" or "tell."

1. Definition:

"Forewarn" means to warn someone beforehand – to give them advance knowledge of something bad or dangerous that is going to happen. It emphasizes the timing of the warning.

2. Structure:

  • Forewarn + someone about something

3. How to Use It – Examples:

  • “The authorities forewarned residents about the impending flood.” (They told residents before the flood occurred.)
  • “The detective forewarned the suspect that he was being watched.” (He gave the suspect the warning in advance.)
  • “The old woman forewarned me of the storm, and I prepared my garden.” (She told me before the storm arrived.)
  • "He forewarned the team of the opponent's strategy." (He gave them the warning prior to the game.)

4. Key Differences from "Warn":

  • "Warn" simply means to give a warning. It doesn't necessarily imply advance knowledge. “Don’t touch that!” is a warning.
  • "Forewarn" specifically means to give a warning before something happens. It’s about the timing.

5. Tone & Style:

  • Formal: "Forewarn" is best suited for formal writing, news reports, legal documents, or situations where a more elevated tone is appropriate.
  • Literary: It often has a slightly more dramatic or serious feel.

6. Synonyms (that might be easier to use in many contexts):

  • Advise
  • Alert
  • Notify
  • Inform
  • Prewarn

Tips for Using It Correctly:

  • Focus on the timing: The core of "forewarn" is the "beforehand" aspect.
  • Consider your audience: Is the context formal enough for this word? If not, a simpler synonym might be better.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Help you understand how "forewarn" differs from a similar word like “warn”?
  • Create a sentence using “forewarn” for you to review?

Synonyms for the word forewarn

Idioms of the word forewarn

forewarned is forearmed
(saying)if you know about problems, dangers, etc. before they happen, you can be better prepared for them

    Practice with vocabulary forewarn

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The company's latest financial report sought to _______________ investors of potential market volatility in the coming quarter.
    2. Economists often _______________ future trends by analyzing current data and historical patterns.
    3. During the project kickoff, the lead engineer made sure to _______________ the team about the critical deadlines and potential technical hurdles.
    4. All attendees will be _______________ of the venue change via email at least 24 hours in advance.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. Before the major system upgrade, the IT department decided to _______________ users about potential service interruptions and data migration issues. a) instruct b) forewarn c) inform d) announce

    2. The safety briefing aimed to _______________ new employees about the risks associated with operating heavy machinery on site. a) caution b) forewarn c) educate d) predict

    3. The early detection system was designed to _______________ emergency services of impending natural disasters like tsunamis. a) forecast b) forewarn c) describe d) clarify

    4. It's important to _______________ caution when investing in volatile stocks. a) show b) exercise c) forewarn d) display

    5. Scientists continue to _______________ the long-term effects of climate change based on current environmental data. a) speculate b) forewarn c) predict d) confirm

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The meteorologist gave an early warning about the approaching severe storm.
      • Rewrite using "forewarn":
    2. The project manager's prior advice about potential budget overruns was very helpful.
      • Rewrite using a related form of "forewarn":
    3. It is always a good idea to be careful when dealing with sensitive customer information.
      • Rewrite without using "forewarn":

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. forewarn
    2. anticipate
    3. forewarn
    4. notified

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. b) forewarn, c) inform
    2. a) caution, b) forewarn
    3. b) forewarn
    4. b) exercise
    5. a) speculate, c) predict

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The meteorologist sought to forewarn residents about the approaching severe storm.
    2. The project manager's forewarning about potential budget overruns was very helpful.
    3. It is always a good idea to exercise caution when dealing with sensitive customer information.

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