cautionary

[kaw-shuh-ner-ee]

adjective

1. of the nature of or containing a warning.

   cautionary advice; a cautionary tale.

cautionary

/ ˈkɔːʃənərɪ /

adjective

1. serving as a warning; intended to warn

   a cautionary tale

Word History and Origins

Origin of cautionary¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; caution + -ary

Example Sentences

"Volatile swap rates and a cautionary approach among lenders have led to an abrupt halt in consecutive monthly average rate falls," she said.

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Yalta is the perfect cautionary tale: Stalin’s influence condemned Eastern Europe to 45 years of communist tyranny.

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Such awareness lends a subtle metafictional framework to the novel, a hint of cautionary skepticism about its releases into fantasy and brushes with exoticism.

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She is a flashing cautionary tale in my head.

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He’s made a mystery with no curiosity, a cautionary tale with no good advice.

Read more on Los Angeles Times