warned - Master This Word
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warned Word Meanings
- to tell someone about a possible danger
- a statement informing of danger
- to advise against something
warned Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
warned Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/wɔːn/
US
/wɔrn/
warned Word Etymology
warn = w (secure) + arn (to make) ; Old English → Middle English → Modern English. Picture a bright red flag waving in the wind, cautioning against danger.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
Hands on the steering wheel, I shift my weight and turn toward the dim road ahead. The rain slicks the asphalt, and I adjust my speed to keep the car under control. I warn my friend about the curve, a calm push of caution in my voice. We slow, keep our eyes on the road, and let the moment steady us for what comes next.
Real Context
Warn means to tell someone about a possible danger or risk, or to advise against a course of action. It often takes the patterns warn someone that, warn someone about something, or warn against doing something. The noun form is a warning: a visible or spoken notice that signals danger. In daily speech, you might warn a friend to take care in bad weather, warn students not to touch a hot surface, or warn against making a hasty decision. The tone can be urgent or polite depending on relationship and context, and the verbs advise and warn are related but not interchangeable in every situation.
Usage Reminders
- Use warn to tell someone about a possible danger. Use 'warn someone that...' or 'warn someone about...' to introduce the danger. Say 'a warning' for signage or formal notices. Distinguish warn from advise and inform. You can warn against doing something or warn that something may happen. Remember to adjust tone to match your relationship. After warn, you often need a that-clause or a prepositional phrase. Do not use 'warn to' in standard English.
Common Misconceptions
- It always means immediate danger, but it can warn about less urgent risks.
- warn and advise are interchangeable in all contexts.
- You can say warn to someone without an object, which is wrong.
- Warn is only used with physical danger and not with risks or rules.
- The noun warning is never a signage term.
Thinking Differences
In English, warn conveys forewarning and can pair with that, about, or against; tone ranges from polite to urgent depending on relation and context.
Learning Tips
- Learn common patterns: warn someone that..., warn someone about..., warn against doing...
- Differentiate warn from advise and inform by focusing on intent and urgency.
- Practice with signs: a warning sign, a verbal warning.
- Use that for reported content after warn, or about for specifics.
- Note the prepositions after warn: warn someone about, warn someone that, warn against...
- Record a quick set of example sentences to check nuance
Related Listening
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