How to pronounce beware
Say it like bih-WAIR. Beware has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (WAIR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce beware. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- bih
- WAIR
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Beware pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- bihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- WAIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of beware
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: bih-WAIR.
What does beware mean?
- be on one's guard; be cautious or wary about; be alert to“Beware of telephone salesmen”
Where does beware come from?
From Middle English bewar, be war, be ware, forms of Middle English ben ware (“to be on one's guard, be vigilant”, literally “be ware”), equivalent to be + ware or be + aware.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with beware
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of beware.
Questions about saying beware
How do you pronounce beware?
Say bih-WAIR. The American pronunciation is /bɪˈwɛr/. In British English it is /bɪˈwɛə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in beware?
Beware has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (WAIR). Broken into parts: bih · WAIR.
Is beware pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /bɪˈwɛə/ (bih-WAIR).