caution Definition
- 1care taken to avoid danger or mistakes
- 2a warning against danger or evil
- 3a formal warning given by the police to someone who has committed a minor offense
Using caution: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "caution" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The climbers ascended the mountain with caution.
Example
I advise you to exercise caution when dealing with strangers.
Example
The police officer gave him a caution for speeding.
caution Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for caution
- carefulness
- admonition
- prudence
- vigilance
- warning
Antonyms for caution
- carelessness
- recklessness
Phrases with caution
to take a cautious approach, even if it may seem excessive or unnecessary
Example
I always err on the side of caution when it comes to my health.
throw caution to the wind
to act recklessly and without regard for the consequences
Example
She decided to throw caution to the wind and quit her job to travel the world.
with caution
in a careful and guarded manner
Example
He approached the wild animal with caution.
Origins of caution
from Latin 'cautio', meaning 'precaution'
Summary: caution in Brief
The term 'caution' [ˈkɔːʃən] refers to care taken to avoid danger or mistakes, exemplified by 'The climbers ascended the mountain with caution.' It also denotes a warning against danger or evil, as in 'I advise you to exercise caution when dealing with strangers.' 'Caution' extends into phrases like 'err on the side of caution,' suggesting a cautious approach, and 'throw caution to the wind,' implying recklessness.
