Caution

/ˈkɔːʃən/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonAction
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A warning or advice to be careful.

/ˈkɔːʃən/

nounneutralBeginner
Action

Careful attention to avoid danger or mistakes.

Exercise caution when crossing the street.

💡 Simply: Being careful to avoid danger or mistakes.

👶 For kids: Being careful so you don't get hurt.

More Examples

2

The police issued a caution to the driver.

How It's Used

Safety

"The warning sign urged caution."

Driving

"He exercised caution while driving on the icy road."

2

To give a warning or advice to be careful.

/kɔːˈʃən/

verbneutralIntermediate
Action

To warn someone to be careful.

The teacher cautioned the students about the dangers of fire.

💡 Simply: To warn someone to be careful.

👶 For kids: To tell someone to be careful.

More Examples

2

I cautioned him against making hasty decisions.

How It's Used

Legal

"The police cautioned him about his behavior."

Tip:Think of 'cautioning' someone to be more careful.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Idioms & expressions

Use caution

To be careful.

"Use caution when operating heavy machinery."

From Old French *causion, from Latin *cautio, from cavere "to beware, be cautious".

The word 'caution' has been used since the 14th century, with its meaning and usage evolving subtly over time.

Memory tip

Think of 'Cautious' - someone who shows caution.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to beware"

exercise cautionuse cautioncaution against

Common misspellings

causioncawtioncautian

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written