noun
Uncommon
caveat
KA-vih-at
Caveat (noun) means a warning or condition attached to a statement, agreement, or piece of advice. Example: “I'll recommend the restaurant, with the caveat that service can be slow.”
noun
1
A warning or condition attached to a statement, agreement, or piece of advice.
"I'll recommend the restaurant, with the caveat that service can be slow."
"The contract came with several caveats about liability."
verb
1
To attach a warning or qualification to something you say.
"Let me caveat that by saying the figures are still provisional."
How to use caveat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA warning or condition you attach to something, meaning "this comes with a catch."
Memory tip
You'll most often meet it as a noun after "with the caveat that…"
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
with one caveat
an important caveat
caveat emptor
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Word forms
- Plural
- caveats
- Third person singular
- caveats
- Past tense
- caveated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I'll recommend the restaurant, with the _____ that service can be slow.
Etymology
From Latin caveat, "let him beware" — a form of the verb caveō, "to be on guard." A doublet of "show."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for caveat
See all rhymes for caveat →Frequently asked questions
What does “caveat” mean?
The word “caveat” means a warning or condition attached to a statement, agreement, or piece of advice. In plain terms, a warning or condition you attach to something, meaning "this comes with a catch.".
How do you pronounce “caveat”?
“Caveat” is pronounced KA-vih-at (/ˈkæviɑt/ in IPA).
How do you use “caveat” in a sentence?
Here is “caveat” used in a sentence: “I'll recommend the restaurant, with the caveat that service can be slow.”
What part of speech is “caveat”?
Depending on how it is used, “caveat” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “caveat” come from?
The word “caveat” comes from Latin. From Latin caveat, "let him beware" — a form of the verb caveō, "to be on guard." A doublet of "show.".
Is “caveat” a common word?
“Caveat” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “caveat” have?
“Caveat” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a warning or condition attached to a statement, agreement, or piece of advice.
