warn
gb/wˈɔɹn/ us/wˈɔɹn/
A2
English
~ 1500
figyelmeztet
VERB
A2
1
figyelmeztet
B1
Usage pattern:
to warn [someone] about [something]
The police warned residents about the approaching storm.
A rendőrség figyelmeztette a lakosokat a közeledő viharra.
I tried to warn him that the road was closed.
Próbáltam figyelmeztetni, hogy le van zárva az út.
She warned me not to eat the seafood.
Experts warn of a rise in fuel prices.
They warned us in advance about the delays.
Learner examples
The teacher warned us about the test.
A tanár figyelmeztetett minket a dolgozatra.
He warned me not to touch the hot pan.
Figyelmeztetett, hogy ne nyúljak a forró serpenyőhöz.
My friend warned me about the bad weather.
They warned us to drive slowly.
She warned him about the dog.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'warn' with 'advise'; 'warn' usually involves possible danger or negative outcomes, while 'advise' can be for positive or neutral suggestions.
Meaning
Tell someone about danger
Collocations
warn against
|warn about
|warn of danger
|warn in advance
|warn repeatedly
Synonyms
alert (Emphasizes drawing immediate attention to danger.)
|
advise (More general and can include positive recommendations, not just warnings.)
Antonyms
reassure (Gives comfort and removes fear instead of causing caution.)
Themes
safety
|communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To tell someone that something bad may happen, so they can be careful or ready.
To inform someone about a possible danger, problem, or unpleasant situation so that they can avoid it or prepare for it.
VERB
B1
2
figyelmeztet
B1
Usage pattern:
to warn [someone] not to [do something]
The doctor warned me not to eat too much sugar.
Az orvos figyelmeztetett, hogy ne egyek túl sok cukrot.
They warned tourists against swimming in the river.
Figyelmeztették a turistákat, hogy ne fürödjenek a folyóban.
I must warn you not to sign anything before reading it carefully.
Learner examples
The teacher warned us not to run in the hall.
A tanár figyelmeztetett minket, hogy ne szaladgáljunk a folyosón.
My mother warned me not to stay out late.
Anyám figyelmeztetett, hogy ne maradjak ki sokáig.
He warned her against talking to strangers.
Common mistake:
Learners may forget to use 'not' when expressing a warning against an action, changing the meaning completely.
Meaning
Advise against doing something
Collocations
warn not to
|warn against doing
|warn strongly
Synonyms
caution (Often used in formal or official contexts for advising against an action.)
Antonyms
encourage (Suggests motivating someone to do something rather than discouraging them.)
Themes
advice
|safety
|daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To tell someone they should not do something because it may be bad for them.
To strongly recommend that someone should not do something because it could cause harm or problems.
Grammar
Dictionary form
warn
IPA
GB/wˈɔɹn/
US/wˈɔɹn/
Syllables & stress
warn (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (warn)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: warn
- 3rd Person Singular: warns
- Present Participle: warning
- Past: warned
Word family
Forms
Related words
forewarn
verb
Advanced or less common
forewarning
noun
Expressions
fair warning
1/fˈɛɹ wˈɔɹnɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Advance notice of trouble or action
A statement that tells someone something bad may happen soon, so they can prepare.
Examples
- Just as a fair warning, the boss is in a bad mood today.
- Consider this your fair warning before I take further action.
fair warning
1/fˈɛɹ wˈɔɹnɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Clear enough advance notice
enough warning so that someone knows what to expect
Examples
- I gave you fair warning that the deadline would not move.
- Fair warning: the sauce is much hotter than it looks.
- The landlord must give tenants fair warning before entering the apartment.
Learner examples
- Fair warning: I am not good at singing.
- She gave us fair warning.
warn against
1/wˈɔɹn əɡˈɛnst/
phrasal verb
Advise not to do something risky
To tell someone they should not do something because it could be bad or dangerous.
Examples
- Experts warn against eating too much processed food.
- The guide warned against hiking alone at night.
warn off
1/wˈɔɹn ˈɔf/
phrasal verb
Tell someone to stay away
To tell someone they must not go near something or do something because it could be dangerous or cause problems.
Examples
- The farmer warned off trespassers from his land.
- Security guards warned off the protesters before they reached the gate.