forewarn: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to Neutral. More common in written contexts (news, reports, formal advice) than casual speech.
Quick answer
What does “forewarn” mean?
To inform someone of a danger, problem, or unpleasant event that is likely to happen.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To inform someone of a danger, problem, or unpleasant event that is likely to happen.
To advise or caution someone in advance, often with the implication of giving them a chance to prepare or avoid negative consequences.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Slightly formal and serious in both dialects. In US usage, can be associated with official weather or safety alerts.
Frequency
Comparably low frequency in both dialects, used in similar contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “forewarn” in a Sentence
[Verb] + [Object] + of/about + [Noun Phrase] (forewarn them of the risks)[Verb] + [Object] + that-clause (forewarned us that prices would rise)[Verb] + [Object] (Can be used transitively: I feel I should forewarn you.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “forewarn” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Meteorologists forewarned of widespread flooding following the heavy rains.
- Let me forewarn you, the refurbished theatre is quite different.
American English
- The manual forewarns users about potential electrical hazards.
- I need to forewarn you, the traffic on I-95 is a nightmare today.
adjective
British English
- A forewarned traveller will have packed a waterproof.
- The forewarned committee members were not surprised by the announcement.
American English
- Forewarned consumers can make better financial decisions.
- The team, now forewarned, was ready for the competitor's aggressive strategy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The auditors forewarned the board about the potential compliance issues."
Academic
"The study's limitations were forewarned in the methodology section."
Everyday
"I just wanted to forewarn you that the motorway is closed this weekend."
Technical
"The system forewarns the operator of any pressure deviations."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “forewarn”
- *I forewarned him about the event after it happened. (Illogical, must be *before*)
- Using it for positive news: *Let me forewarn you about the surprise party. (Use 'let you know' or 'tip you off' instead.)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Forewarn' explicitly stresses the temporal aspect of warning *before* an event. 'Warn' can be more general (e.g., warning someone in the moment). 'Forewarn' is also slightly more formal.
To 'predict' is to say what you think *will* happen. To 'forewarn' is to alert someone to a *danger* or *problem* you predict will happen, so they can prepare or avoid it. Forewarning carries an intention to protect.
It is atypical and can sound odd. Its core association is with potential harm, trouble, or unpleasantness. For positive surprises, phrases like 'give advance notice' or 'let someone know ahead of time' are more natural.
It is a proverb meaning that if you know about a problem or danger in advance, you will be better prepared to deal with it. The 'arm' here refers to being armed or equipped for a challenge.
To inform someone of a danger, problem, or unpleasant event that is likely to happen.
Forewarn is usually formal to neutral. more common in written contexts (news, reports, formal advice) than casual speech. in register.
Forewarn: in British English it is pronounced /fɔːˈwɔːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɔːrˈwɔːrn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Forewarned is forearmed.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the prefix FORE- (as in 'before') + WARN. You warn someone *before* something happens.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS A PRE-EMPTIVE SHIELD (as in 'forewarned is forearmed').
Practice
Quiz
What is the key semantic element of 'forewarn'?