Precautionary Meaning
/prɪˈkɔʃənɛri/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjOf, pertaining to, or serving as a precaution.
nounA precaution.
Sentence Examples
I would have to take precautionary steps to keep him out.
Precautionary measures were unnecessary.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The town issued a ____ evacuation order just before the dangerous storm arrived.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The government issued a ____ travel warning advising citizens to avoid the affected region.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree English precaution Proto-Indo-European *-yósder. Proto-Italic *-āzijos Latin -āriusder. Middle English -arie English -ary English precautionary From precaution + -ary.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Fearing attack on the northern ports by the English, he even took precautionary measures by strengthening the defense of Shan-hai-kuan 山海關 and Ch‘in-huang-tao 秦皇島."
— 1941, Huang Yen-yü, “Viceroy Yeh Ming-ch‘ên and the Canton Episode (1856-1861)”, in Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies, volume 6, Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard-Yenching Institute, →ISSN, →OCLC, pages 46–47:
"Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, a Republican, issued a statement in support of the raids and signed a proclamation Friday to activate the National Guard as a precautionary measure “in anticipation of anti-ICE protests” this weekend."
— 2025 June 15, Nicole Acevedo, “How a city in Nebraska is recovering after the state's largest worksite immigration raid”, in NBC News:
"Thou seest, Belford, by the above precautionaries, that I forget nothing."
— 1748, [Samuel Richardson], Clarissa. Or, The History of a Young Lady: […], volume (please specify |volume=I to VII), London: […] S[amuel] Richardson; [a]nd sold by John Osborn, […], →OCLC:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The town issued a ____ evacuation order just before the dangerous storm arrived.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The government issued a ____ travel warning advising citizens to avoid the affected region.