What is warn? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of warn

warnverb

/wɔːn/
Definition & pronunciation of warn

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "warn" in English. There are two main ways it's pronounced, and they're regional:

1. The Most Common (General American) Pronunciation:

  • Sounds like: "wern"
  • Breakdown:
    • "w" - as in "water" (a quick, short "w" sound)
    • "er" - like the "er" in "her" (a short, unstressed vowel sound)
    • "n" - as in "now"
  • Emphasis: The emphasis is on the first syllable ("wern").

2. The British Pronunciation:

  • Sounds like: "warn" (rhymes with "barn")
  • Breakdown:
    • "w" - as in "water"
    • "ar" - a long "a" sound, as in "car"
    • "n" - as in "now"
  • Emphasis: The emphasis is on the second syllable ("warn").

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Usage and examples with the word warn in English

Let's break down how to use the word "warn" in English. It's a versatile word with several nuances, but the core meaning is to give someone a heads-up about a potential danger or problem.

1. Basic Meaning: To Give a Warning

  • Definition: To tell someone about a danger or problem that might happen, usually so they can avoid it.
  • Structure: “warn + object + (about/of) + noun/gerund”
  • Examples:
    • "The lifeguard warned the swimmers about the strong currents." (Swimners about the currents)
    • "I warned her about the traffic delays." (Her about the delays)
    • "The meteorologist warned the public about the approaching hurricane." (The public about the hurricane)

2. Different Ways to Use "Warn" - with Examples

  • As a Verb (giving a direct warning): This is the most common usage.

    • "Please warn me if you hear anything unusual." (Direct instruction)
    • "He warned me not to touch the hot stove." (Specific warning)

  • "Warn someone about something": This is a very frequent construction.

    • "She warned him about the risks involved in the investment." (Focuses on the potential negative consequences.)
    • "The doctor warned the patient about the side effects of the medication."

  • "Warn someone of something": This is also common and often interchangeable with "about."

    • "The police warned the residents of the potential robbery."

  • "Warn" as a noun (a warning): This refers to the act of giving a warning or a piece of advice to prevent something bad.

    • "He gave me a warning not to be late." (A piece of advice)
    • "The report issued a warning about rising sea levels." (A statement of potential danger)

  • Informal Usage ("Warn you"): You can use "warn you" informally to give a quick heads-up.

    • "Warn you, the bus is going to be late!"
    • "Warn you, there's a puddle on the floor."

3. Related Words and Phrases

  • Caution: Similar to warning, but often implies a less serious risk. (e.g., "Use caution when crossing the street.")
  • Beware: A more dramatic warning, suggesting a significant danger. (e.g., "Beware of pickpockets.")
  • Forewarn: To warn in advance. (e.g., "He was forewarned of the storm.")
  • Give a heads-up: An informal way to warn someone.

4. Example Sentences Showing Different Contexts:

  • Safety: "The safety officer warned the workers about the faulty machinery."
  • Health: “The doctor warned the patient to stop smoking.”
  • Travel: “The travel agency warned us about potential visa issues.”
  • Relationships: "She warned him that she needed space."

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Synonyms for the word warn

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