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cautionary

cautionary

34 5.6
Giving a clear warning to avoid harm
  • adjective
  • /ˈkɔːʃənˌɛri/
translation icon : aleccionador
  • Let this serve as a cautionary tale for those who underestimate the risks involved.
  • a cautionary tale
  • a cautionary note
  • a cautionary remark

It's not nonsense, but some cautionary notes.

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Examples

  • Her account proves to be an important cautionary tale for archaeologists.

    Academic text (1997)
  • The significant impact of the Wall Street Journal's flawed reporting provides a cautionary tale.

    Academic text (2017)
  • It's a kind of cautionary tale in some ways.

  • Was my life not enough of a cautionary tale for you?

  • People treated it as another cautionary tale.

  • That is a cautionary tale.

  • The idea that going no contact can become a rather lonely cautionary tale if you are not careful.

  • The Wall Street Journal's report can serve as a useful cautionary tale.

    Academic text (2017)
  • The anonymous raid on HBGary Federal should be a cautionary tale for law firms on the realities of cybersecurity.

    Academic text (2011)
  • But if what you want is a simple, painless gaming experience, then let this be a cautionary tale, one of trials, tribulations and of course, sponsors.

Synonyms

precautionary
vscautionary
22 5.0

Done to stop possible harm before it happens

is a warning that alerts people rather than an action to prevent harm
exemplary
vscautionary
  • Formal
2 6.7

A punishment meant to warn others not to do the same

is a general warning aimed at prevention rather than punishment-based example
admonitory
vscautionary
1 8.3

Giving a warning to show disapproval

is less scolding and focuses on simple prevention advice
monitory
vscautionary
9.6

Giving a warning to tell someone to be careful

is meant to prevent danger by alerting people beforehand
warning
vscautionary
1.0

Giving a sign or message that tells people about danger

is aimed at preventing harm rather than just giving signs
precautional
vscautionary
  • Formal
8.6

Done in advance to prevent harm

is a warning notice rather than a formal preemptive measure

Antonyms

193 3.6

Acting without care about danger or the results

14 1.0

A lack of attention that causes mistakes or harm

Compounds

A story that warns people about danger from certain actions or choices

How Cautionary

scolding
7 3.3
admonitory
1 8.3
cautionary
34 5.6
monitorial
  • Archaic
7.9
advisory
  • Formal
48 4.2

Surface Forms

cautionary positive

Morphology

cautionary = caution (transparent) = caution + ary

Formed from the noun 'caution' with the adjectival suffix '-ary', so the meaning ('serving as a warning') is directly derived.

Etymology

Cautionary comes from the Latin root cavere 'to beware' and the English word caution, both about being careful. So a cautionary tale or message is meant as a warning to help you avoid danger.