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Glite Dictionary
⚠️ Careful caution 🦊 Sly cunning
cautel

cautel

9.9
A careful action to avoid danger or loss
  • noun
  • /ˈkɔːtəl/
  • Archaic
translation icon : cautela
  • Out of cautel, she inspected the old wiring before switching the power back on.

Examples

  • The knight acted with great cautel when entering the unfamiliar castle.

  • His cautel saved him from falling into the trap set by his enemies.

  • She showed great cautel.

  • Don't act without cautel!

  • Out of cautel, she inspected the old wiring before switching the power back on.

  • The knight acted with great cautel when entering the unfamiliar castle.

  • His cautel saved him from falling into the trap set by his enemies.

Synonyms

precaution
vscautel
229 3.4

A careful action done beforehand to avoid harm or danger

is an older word focusing on general careful behavior rather than a specific action
caution
vscautel
158 2.5

Care that helps you avoid danger or mistakes

is an older word used with the same sense
cautiousness
vscautel
1 4.2

Careful action to avoid danger or problems

is the older term used in the same sense
carefulness
vscautel
1 2.1

Paying close attention to avoid mistakes or harm

is the archaic form stressing careful prevention to avoid loss

Antonyms

recklessness
18 5.2

Acting without caring about danger or what might happen

carelessness
16 2.8

Lack of attention that causes mistakes or accidents

How Careful

vigilance
33 5.2
wariness
6 5.4
cautel
  • Archaic
9.9
care
555 1.0

Surface Forms

cautel singular
cautels plural

Etymology

Cautel comes from the old Latin verb cavere, which means 'to beware', and from cautela, a word for guarding or care. It is the same root as the modern words caution and cautious, so cautel originally meant careful action to avoid danger.