precautionary

American  

[pri-kaw-shuh-ner-ee] / prɪˈkɔ ʃəˌnɛr i /

Sometimes precautional

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by precaution.

   precautionary measures.

2. expressing or advising precaution.

   precautionary warnings against possible tornadoes.

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Usage

What does precautionary mean? Precautionary is used to describe actions taken in advance to prevent something negative from happening or to lessen the impact of the negative thing if it does happen. Such actions are called precautions. This sense of precautionary is most commonly seen in the phrase precautionary measures, which is essentially a synonym for precautions. Precaution can also be used as a verb meaning to warn, and precautionary can also mean expressing a warning, as in Police have posted a precautionary message advising all residents to stay indoors due to the chemical spill. Example: Officials said they have taken several precautionary measures to secure the city in advance of the storm.

Etymology

Origin of precautionary

First recorded in 1740–50; precaution + -ary

Explanation

Anything that might prevent something unpleasant or dangerous from happening is precautionary. If you're babysitting your neighbor's three year old triplets, you might want to hide every fragile thing in your house as a precautionary measure first. If you do it beforehand to protect someone or something, it's precautionary. You may be sure you don't have a concussion after wiping out on your bike, but getting checked out at the emergency room would be a smart, precautionary move anyway. Putting on your helmet before you raced your bike down that hill was also precautionary. The Late Latin source of precautionary is praecautionem, "a safeguarding," from the Latin praecavere, "to guard against beforehand."

Example Sentences

"Precautionary measures have already been initiated in line with the Secretary-General's zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse and other forms of misconduct," said the U.N. statement released late on Wednesday.

From Reuters • Oct. 12, 2023

Precautionary medical tests came back clear, and there were no obvious signs of problems in her following two games against Morocco and Jamaica.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 9, 2023

Precautionary measures were being taken in the wider region, particularly in states using water from the Ohio River.

From New York Times • Feb. 13, 2023

Precautionary sweeps of the rest of Times-occupied floors will begin this evening on floors 5, 6, 12 and 13.

From Slate • Aug. 27, 2019

Precautionary measures were however taken, and messengers sent to them, by the Lieutenant-Governor, to warn them against taking any part.

From The Treaties of Canada with the Indians of Manitoba and the North-West Territories Including the Negotiations on Which They Were Based, and Other Information Relating Thereto by Morris, Alexander