beware

Beware is a verb meaning to be cautious about potential danger or harm and to take heed of something that may cause trouble. It is commonly used in warnings and notices, and can function as an imperative: "Beware of the dog." It also appears in more literary or formal admonitions, as in phrases that introduce a cautionary clause.

Etymology and history: Beware derives from be- plus ware, a construction meaning "to be wary" or "to be cautious." It developed in Middle English as bewaren or bewær and later became the single word beware in Early Modern English. The sense is connected to the older idea of guarding against danger, rather than the contemporary noun sense of merchandise labeled as “ware.”

Usage and patterns: The usual pattern is beware of followed by a hazard or target, for example, "beware of scams," "beware the dog," or "beware false prophets." It is most common in warnings, signs, and formal writing, though it also appears in literature and historical speech. In modern everyday language, speakers more often say "watch out for" or "be careful of" in casual contexts. The phrase has cultural resonance, with famous historical lines such as "Beware the Ides of March" illustrating its role in signaling imminent risk or treachery.

In summary, beware is a compact, traditional warning term used to alert others to potential danger, most often followed by the object of caution and widely recognized in both everyday and literary contexts.

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