caution
C1Formal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
careful attention to possible risks and dangers to avoid harm or mistakes.
A formal warning, especially one given by the police or a court; a prudent or careful quality in character or behaviour; something that warns or advises carefulness.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. As a verb, it means to warn or advise. The adjective form is 'cautious'. The concept blends prudence, warning, and formal legal/administrative procedure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. In formal/official contexts, 'a caution' (noun) is a specific type of police warning in UK law. In finance, 'caution' may be used in US markets more frequently regarding investments.
Connotations
In UK, the police 'caution' has a strong legal procedural connotation. In both, it carries connotations of prudence, sometimes excessive hesitation.
Frequency
Slightly more common in formal writing (legal, financial, academic) in both varieties. The verb form is more common in American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
urge sb to caution (against sth)advise cautioncaution sb against doing sthcaution that...with cautionVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “throw caution to the wind”
- “err on the side of caution”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in risk assessment reports and investor communications: 'The board advised caution regarding the merger.'
Academic
Used in research to qualify findings: 'These results should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size.'
Everyday
Used as a warning: 'Caution: wet floor.' Or as advice: 'I'd approach him with caution.'
Technical
In engineering/medicine: 'A safety caution is issued for the device.' In law: 'The suspect was given a police caution.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The officer cautioned the driver for speeding.
- Experts caution that inflation may rise further.
American English
- The guide cautioned us against hiking alone.
- I must caution you that these figures are preliminary.
adverb
British English
- She moved cautiously through the dark room.
- He spoke cautiously, choosing his words with care.
American English
- We proceeded cautiously with the new software rollout.
- The markets reacted cautiously to the news.
adjective
British English
- The cautious driver avoided the icy road.
- He's always been cautious with his investments.
American English
- She took a cautious approach to the negotiations.
- Investors remained cautious after the market dip.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- 'Caution! Wet floor,' said the sign.
- You should cross the road with caution.
- The weather forecast advises caution on the roads tonight.
- He is a man of great caution and rarely takes risks.
- Financial analysts are urging caution following the sudden drop in share prices.
- She threw caution to the wind and quit her job to travel the world.
- The study's authors inserted a note of caution, highlighting several methodological limitations.
- The suspect was released after receiving a formal police caution.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CAUtion' as 'CAUse for hesitation' or 'CAUtious AUthority giving a warning'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CAUTION IS A (YELLOW) SIGNAL/WARNING LIGHT; CAUTION IS A (PROTECTIVE) BARRIER/SHIELD; LACK OF CAUTION IS WALKING BLINDLY.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not 'precaution' (предосторожность). 'Caution' is the general state of being careful; 'precaution' is a specific action taken in advance.
- The verb 'to caution' (предостерегать) is more formal than 'to warn' (предупреждать).
- The common Russian translation 'осторожность' is accurate for the noun, but misses the official 'warning' sense.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'caution' as a verb without an object: Incorrect: 'He cautioned about the risks.' Correct: 'He cautioned us about the risks.' / 'He cautioned against the risks.'
- Confusing 'caution' with 'warning': A 'caution' is often more advisory; a 'warning' is more urgent and consequential.
- Overusing in informal speech where 'be careful' is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'caution' specifically refer to a formal legal procedure?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'caution' is often more advisory, suggesting carefulness to avoid potential harm. A 'warning' is typically more direct and urgent, signaling imminent danger or consequences. Legally, a 'caution' (UK) is a specific type of formal police warning.
Yes. As a verb, it means 'to warn or advise someone to be careful'. It is often used in formal or official contexts, e.g., 'The doctor cautioned him against smoking.'
It is an idiom meaning to choose the safest course of action if you are unsure, even if it might be overly careful. For example, 'The event was outdoors, so we erred on the side of caution and brought umbrellas.'
Yes, 'cautious' is the standard adjective. There is no direct adjective 'cautionary'; 'cautionary' means 'serving as a warning' (e.g., a cautionary tale).