Where does “beware” come from?
Beware comes from Middle English bewar, composed of the prefix ben (meaning "well" or "thoroughly") combined with Middle English ware, ultimately expressing caution or watchfulness.
beware (English): To use caution, pay attention to
Definitions
- To use caution, pay attention to
Ancestry of “beware”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|
| 1 | Middle English | bewar | — |
| 2 | Middle English | ben ware | to be on one's guard, be vigilant |
Words derived from “beware”