Word
caution
Phoneticscau·tion, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɑʃən/
UK/kˈɔːʃən/
Definitions
01carefulness
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. care taken to avoid danger, risk, or mistakes.
n. the quality of being careful to avoid potential hazards or errors; prudence.
日本語:注意※
“You should proceed with caution when driving on these icy roads.”
“The investigators exercised extreme caution when entering the unstable building, fearing that any sudden movement might trigger a collapse.”
Antonyms
02legal warning
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law British English · Formal
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.
日本語:警告※
“Since it was his first offence, the teenager received a police caution instead of going to court.”
“The officer decided that a formal caution was a more appropriate response than a full prosecution given the suspect's clean record and cooperation.”
Usage
Often used with the verbs 'issue' or 'receive'.
Antonyms
03sports penalty
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports
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.
日本語:警告※
“The defender received a caution for a late tackle in the second half.”
“After a series of persistent fouls, the referee finally issued a caution to the midfielder to regain control of the game.”
Synonyms
04to warn
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.
Español:advertir
“Doctors caution that the new medicine may cause some sleepiness.”
“Financial advisors caution investors against putting all their capital into a single volatile market sector.”
Usage
Often followed by 'against' or a 'that' clause.
05to issue a legal warning
C1 · Advanced Law British English · Formal
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.
Español:advertir
“The police cautioned the man for shoplifting and released him.”
“The detective cautioned the suspect, reminding him that anything he said could be used as evidence in a future trial.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “caution” in context.
Verb
01. exercise caution
“Investors are advised to exercise extreme caution when trading in volatile markets.”
verb + noun
02. issue a formal caution
“The police decided to issue a formal caution rather than pursuing a criminal prosecution.”
verb + noun
03. throw caution to the wind
“After months of hesitation, she finally threw caution to the wind and quit her job to travel.”
verb + noun + prep
Adjective
04. excessive caution
“His excessive caution often prevents the team from taking the risks necessary for innovation.”
adj + noun
05. utmost caution
“The delicate restoration of the ancient manuscript must be handled with the utmost caution.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. word of caution
“Let me offer a word of caution before you sign the contract without reading the fine print.”
noun + of + noun
Preposition
07. as a note of caution
“As a note of caution, the CEO mentioned that the projected growth depends on stable oil prices.”
prep + noun + prep
08. with caution
“The new data should be treated with caution until it has been peer-reviewed.”
prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“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.” “Players sent off for two yellow cards: The VAR will be able to look at the second caution for players shown a red card.” Etymology
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.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Idioms
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/caution
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0