cautionary

American  

[kaw-shuh-ner-ee] / ˈkɔ ʃəˌnɛr i /

adjective

1. of the nature of or containing a warning.

   cautionary advice; a cautionary tale.

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cautionary British  

/ ˈkɔːʃənərɪ /

adjective

1. serving as a warning; intended to warn

   a cautionary tale

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Etymology

Origin of cautionary

First recorded in 1590–1600; caution + -ary

Explanation

When something is cautionary, it’s meant to be a warning to you. Your parents might be fond of telling cautionary tales, like the one about the girl who got electrocuted sticking a knife into the toaster. While driving, look for cautionary signs warning you of potential danger: falling rocks, kids crossing, hidden driveway. You might use cautionary words: “Watch your step! There’s glass all over the floor!” Don’t confuse cautionary with cautious, which means trying to avoid danger. Tell a cautionary tale about someone drowning because he swam too far out into the ocean and an overly cautious kid might decide never to swim again.

Example Sentences

“It’s a classic cautionary tale about this sort of ballot-box legislation,” said Michael Manville, a professor of urban planning at the University of California, Los Angeles.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

But that teaches another more cautionary lesson about collecting nemeses: Salieri never figured out how to channel his gnawing envy into motivation.

From Salon • May 16, 2026

If anything, “Obsession” serves as a cautionary tale — for boys.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

Just as the fantastic results shouldn't guarantee Carrick gets the job, these cautionary underlying numbers shouldn't necessarily prevent him from getting it either.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Whatever cautionary value the tale may have had was thus lost, and now here she was, in a hayloft with a pirate, and rather pleased about it, too.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood