adj

cautionary

KAW-shuh-nuh-ree

Cautionary (adj) means serving as a warning. Example: “The film is meant as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed.”

adj

Serving as a warning.

"The film is meant as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed."

How to use cautionary

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMeant to warn people about something risky or unwise.

Common pairings

cautionary tale cautionary note

more cautionary comparative, most cautionary superlative

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The film is meant as a _____ tale about the dangers of greed.

From Medieval Latin cautionarius, related to caution.

Origin: Medieval Latin

vary Mary nary wary diary ovary weary apiary canary salary binary January

What does “cautionary” mean?

The word “cautionary” means serving as a warning. In plain terms, meant to warn people about something risky or unwise.

How do you pronounce “cautionary”?

“Cautionary” is pronounced KAW-shuh-nuh-ree (/ˈkɔʃəˌnɛɹi/ in IPA).

How do you use “cautionary” in a sentence?

Here is “cautionary” used in a sentence: “The film is meant as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed.”

What part of speech is “cautionary”?

“Cautionary” is an adjective.

Where does the word “cautionary” come from?

The word “cautionary” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin cautionarius, related to caution.