adj Uncommon

precautionary

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

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

Word forms

more precautionary comparative, precautionaries plural, most precautionary superlative

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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."

Rhymes for precautionary

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

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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.