What does forewarn mean?
Word: Forewarn
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: Forewarn means to warn someone about something before it happens, so they can get ready.
Synonyms: caution
How do you spell forewarn?
Syllables: fore - warn
Tricky part: The second part sounds like worn but is spelt with an a. When the two parts join, children often drop the e of the prefix.
Watch out for: forwarn, fourwarn, forwurn
Memory tip: Think of warm with an n in place of its m: the second part sounds like or but keeps that a. In front goes fore, meaning before, with its e.
Idioms and Phrases
- forewarned is forearmed: If you know about a problem in advance, you can be better prepared for it. Example: "Anu read the exam pattern a week early; forewarned is forearmed, her coach said."
Forewarn in a sentence
Example 1: The teacher forewarned us that the test would have tricky questions.
Example 2: The weather office forewarned fishermen about the cyclone.
Example 3: Nobody forewarned me that the canteen would be shut today.
Fun Fact
In the saying forewarned is forearmed, forearmed has nothing to do with your forearms; it means ready and prepared before a problem arrives.
Practise the CREST Way
Mingle-Mangle
Form a meaningful word from the jumbled letters:
nawrofer
a) foreman
b) forward
c) forewarn
d) forearm
Show answer
c) forewarn. Forearm and foreman need an m and forward a d; only forewarn uses all eight letters.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word:
forewarn
a) alert
b) ignore
c) praise
d) surprise
Show answer
a) alert. To alert someone early is to forewarn them; a surprise comes with no warning at all.
Word Cookie
Find the extra letter in the word:
forewarne
a) r
b) a
c) w
d) e
Show answer
d) e. Warn finishes with n; the e tacked on after it is not needed.
Spell-o-Spell
Choose the correctly spelt word:
a) forewarn
b) notise
c) causion
d) prepair
Show answer
a) forewarn. The others should read caution, notice and prepare.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. What forewarns drivers on a hill road?
a) a 'Speed breaker ahead' board
b) a car's number plate
c) a parking ticket
d) a map of the city
Show answer
a) a 'Speed breaker ahead' board
2. Which is the best example of being forewarned?
a) never being told about the power cut
b) knowing about a power cut a day ahead
c) hearing about a power cut a week later
d) finding a power cut has just begun
Show answer
b) knowing about a power cut a day ahead
