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adj Uncommon

precautionary

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Precautionary (adj) means Done as a precaution, to prevent a possible problem. Example: “The school closed early as a precautionary measure due to the storm.”

adj
1
Done as a precaution, to prevent a possible problem.
"The school closed early as a precautionary measure due to the storm."

How to use precautionary

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes an action taken just in case, to head off a possible problem.

Common pairings
precautionary measure precautionary step
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Word forms

Plural
precautionaries
Comparative
more precautionary
Superlative
most precautionary
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The school closed early as a _____ measure due to the storm.

Etymology

From "precaution" plus the adjective suffix "-ary."

precautional

Rhymes for precautionary

See all rhymes for precautionary →

Frequently asked questions

What does “precautionary” mean?
The word “precautionary” means done as a precaution, to prevent a possible problem. In plain terms, describes an action taken just in case, to head off a possible problem.
How do you use “precautionary” in a sentence?
Here is “precautionary” used in a sentence: “The school closed early as a precautionary measure due to the storm.”
What part of speech is “precautionary”?
“Precautionary” is an adjective.
Is “precautionary” a common word?
“Precautionary” is an uncommon word in modern English.