Reading Theme:

Language:

Font Size:

📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Warn Definition, Examples & Common Usage (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：give a caution (warn)

warn 🔊

/wɔːrn/

vt.

To tell someone about possible danger or trouble, so they can be careful.

Mother warning child about hot pot in kitchen

give a caution 🔊

➕

/ɡɪv ə ˈkɔːʃən/

vt.

To tell someone about possible danger or trouble so they can be careful.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English warnian, meaning 'to take heed,' related to German warnen.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a 'war' siren that warns of danger. 'Warn' = war + n (reminder).

📖 Example

My friend tried to warn me about the icy patch on the sidewalk, but I didn't listen and slipped. 🔊 My friend tried to warn me about the icy patch on the sidewalk, but I didn't listen and slipped.

🔗 Collocations

warn about – to inform someone of a potential danger or problem

warn of – to give notice of something harmful

warn against – to advise someone not to do something

🔄 Synonyms

alert (v.) – To make someone aware of a danger or problem.

caution (v.) – To warn someone about a possible risk.

advise (v.) – To recommend a course of action, often with a warning.

🚫 Antonyms

ignore (v.) – To refuse to pay attention to a warning.

disregard (v.) – To treat a warning as unimportant.

🌱 Derivatives

warning (n./adj.) – A statement or event that warns; serving as a warning.

warned (v.) – Past tense of warn; having received a warning.

warner (n.) – A person or thing that warns.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Proto-Germanic *warnōną, meaning 'to be on guard.' In modern English, 'warn' is heavily used in official contexts, such as weather warnings and legal notices.

Meaning 2：issue an official notice (warn)

warn 🔊

/wɔːrn/

vt.

To give an official or serious notice, often to prevent harm or an illegal action.

issue an official notice 🔊

➕

/ˈɪʃuː ən əˈfɪʃəl ˈnoʊtɪs/

vt.

To give an official or serious notice, often to prevent harm or an illegal action.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The weather bureau will warn the public if a typhoon is approaching the coast. 🔊 The weather bureau will warn the public if a typhoon is approaching the coast.

🔗 Collocations

warn that – to state a warning with a specific fact or prediction

warn against doing – to officially advise someone not to engage in an action

officially warn – to deliver a warning through proper authority

🔄 Synonyms

notify (v.) – To inform someone officially about something.

forewarn (v.) – To warn in advance, especially of a potential danger.

admonish (v.) – To warn or reprimand someone firmly, often with authority.

🚫 Antonyms

allow (v.) – To permit something without warning or restriction.

permit (v.) – To give consent, often without prior caution.

🌱 Derivatives

warning (n./adj.) – An official statement that warns; serving as a warning.

warned (v.) – Past tense of warn; having received an official warning.

warner (n.) – A person or entity that issues a warning.