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caution

/ˈkɔʃən/
/ˈkɔʃən/
IPA guide

Other forms: cautioned; cautions; cautioning

If you act with caution, it means you are careful. Be sure to use caution when walking across a patch of ice. Otherwise, you might end up sprawling face-first on the ground. Ouch!

The noun caution can be used to describe something that calls for careful action and the need to avoid risk, such as a volatile political situation that requires extreme caution. The word also has a verb form with a similar meaning. It’s a more formal way of saying “warn” and usually appears with against or that, as in, "Teachers caution against waiting until the last minute to study," or, "They caution that effective studying takes a long time."

Definitions of caution
  1. noun
    judiciousness in avoiding harm or danger
    “he exercised caution in opening the door”
    see moresee less
    type of:
    judiciousness
    good judgment
  2. noun
    the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger
    “a man of caution
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    incaution
    the trait of forgetting or ignoring possible danger
    type of:
    attentiveness
    the trait of being observant and paying attention
  3. noun
    the trait of being circumspect and prudent
    synonyms: circumspection
    see moresee less
    types:
    precaution
    the trait of practicing caution in advance
    chariness, wariness
    the trait of being cautious and watchful
    type of:
    discernment, discretion
    the trait of judging wisely and objectively
  4. verb
    warn strongly; put on guard
    synonyms: admonish, monish
    see moresee less
    type of:
    warn
    notify of danger, potential harm, or risk
  5. noun
    a warning against certain acts
    synonyms: caveat
    see moresee less
    type of:
    warning
    a message informing of danger
Pronunciation
US
/ˈkɔʃən/
UK
/ˈkɔʃən/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘caution'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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