caution
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.care taken to avoid danger, risk, or mistakes.
n.the quality of being careful to avoid potential hazards or errors; prudence.
Simple“You should proceed with caution when driving on these icy roads.”
In context“The investigators exercised extreme caution when entering the unstable building, fearing that any sudden movement might trigger a collapse.”
Antonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
n.a formal warning given by the police to someone who has committed a minor crime.
n.a formal warning issued by law enforcement as an alternative to prosecution for minor offences.
Simple“Since it was his first offence, the teenager received a police caution instead of going to court.”
In context“The officer decided that a formal caution was a more appropriate response than a full prosecution given the suspect's clean record and cooperation.”
UsageOften used with the verbs 'issue' or 'receive'.
Antonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a yellow card given to a player for breaking the rules.
n.a formal disciplinary warning, typically represented by a yellow card, issued to a player during a match.
Simple“The defender received a caution for a late tackle in the second half.”
In context“After a series of persistent fouls, the referee finally issued a caution to the midfielder to regain control of the game.”
Synonymsyellow cardbooking - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to warn someone about a possible problem or danger.
v.to advise or warn someone to be careful or to take necessary precautions.
Simple“Doctors caution that the new medicine may cause some sleepiness.”
In context“Financial advisors caution investors against putting all their capital into a single volatile market sector.”
UsageOften followed by 'against' or a 'that' clause.
- 05 C1 Advanced
v.to give someone a formal police warning.
v.to issue a formal warning to a suspect, often including a statement of their legal rights.
Simple“The police cautioned the man for shoplifting and released him.”
In context“The detective cautioned the suspect, reminding him that anything he said could be used as evidence in a future trial.”
“Nolan isn’t one to [say]: ‘Oh, I’m going to throw caution to the wind and I’m going to stay here with this girl that I just met,’” Wells-Wonsley told a packed audience.”
“He cautions that photographers should be wary of prolonged exposure to the Sun's UV rays.”
Recorded since 1297 as Middle English caucioun (“bail, guarantee, pledge”), from Old French caution (“security, surety”), itself from Latin cautiō, from cautus, past participle of caveō, cavēre (“be on one's guard”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.