aware implies vigilance in observing or alertness in drawing inferences from what one experiences.
aware of changes in climate
cognizant implies having special or certain knowledge as from firsthand sources.
not fully cognizant of the facts
conscious implies that one is focusing one's attention on something or is even preoccupied by it.
conscious that my heart was pounding
sensible implies direct or intuitive perceiving especially of intangibles or of emotional states or qualities.
sensible of a teacher's influence
alive adds to sensible the implication of acute sensitivity to something.
alive to the thrill of danger
awake implies that one has become alive to something and is on the alert.
a country always awake to the threat of invasion
Example Sentences
Are you aware how important you are to me? She is one of the most aware people I know.
Recent Examples on the WebTrusting and well-meaning clinicians aren’t aware of this covert playbook. Pringl Miller, STAT, 11 Sep. 2022 Initiative, announced last week, is aimed at promoting safe use of skin care products, urging people to be aware of non-prescription products marketed to lighten or bleach the skin. Nada Hassanein, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2022 But residents are also suing the EPA, which was aware of complaints about the water and had authority to aggressively intervene. Ed White, ajc, 10 Sep. 2022 Jones and Gracey were aware of the repairs the Get Wet needed before Rhoads died. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2022 Jerry Colangelo, chairman of the Hall of Fame board, said the Hall is aware of the players’ wishes and would like to help them. Brian Mahoney, Baltimore Sun, 9 Sep. 2022 On cross-examination Friday, prosecutors asserted McDavid would long ago have been aware of the accusations made by two witnesses who testified at this trial. Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 9 Sep. 2022 The fact that all the subjects are aware of the camera, and nearly all are looking at it, emphasizes that idea of collaboration. Mark Feeney, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Sep. 2022 Officials have warned that female bears with cubs are naturally more defensive and encourage hunters to be aware of bears when camping, hiking or hunting.CBS News, 8 Sep. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English iwar, iwarre, going back to Old English gewær, going back to West Germanic *gawaro- (whence Old Saxon & Old High German giwar "cognizant"), from *ga-, perfective, associative and collective prefix + Germanic *waro- "cognizant, watchful" — more at co-, ware entry 1
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of aware was before the 12th century