precaution
Precaution (noun) means an action taken in advance to prevent a problem or reduce a risk. Example: “Wearing a helmet is a simple precaution that can prevent serious injury.”
How to use precaution
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething you do ahead of time to stay safe or avoid trouble later.
Word forms
precautioned past tense, precautions plural, precautions singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Wearing a helmet is a simple _____ that can prevent serious injury.
Etymology
From French "précaution," from Latin "praecautio," from "praecavere" ("to guard against beforehand") — combining "prae" ("before") and "cavere" ("to be careful").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for precaution
Frequently asked questions
What does “precaution” mean?
The word “precaution” means an action taken in advance to prevent a problem or reduce a risk. In plain terms, something you do ahead of time to stay safe or avoid trouble later.
How do you pronounce “precaution”?
“Precaution” is pronounced pree-KAW-shuhn (/pɹiːˈkɔ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “precaution” in a sentence?
Here is “precaution” used in a sentence: “Wearing a helmet is a simple precaution that can prevent serious injury.”
What is another word for “precaution”?
Words with a similar meaning to “precaution” include forecaution.
What part of speech is “precaution”?
“Precaution” is a noun.
Where does the word “precaution” come from?
The word “precaution” comes from Latin. From French "précaution," from Latin "praecautio," from "praecavere" ("to guard against beforehand") — combining "prae" ("before") and "cavere" ("to be careful").
Is “precaution” a common word?
“Precaution” is an uncommon word in modern English.