precautionary

Sometimes pre·cau·tion·al

[pri-kaw-shuh-ner-ee]

adjective

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

   precautionary measures.

2. expressing or advising precaution.

   precautionary warnings against possible tornadoes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of precautionary¹

First recorded in 1740–50; precaution + -ary

Example Sentences

“Greater uncertainty likely led to increased precautionary behavior by households and businesses, dampening consumption and investment,” it said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

At the time, Phillips’ hope was that the IL stint was only a “precautionary” measure and that he would be able to return later in the season.

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Amid mounting fears over security in Africa's most populous nation, authorities in the nearby states of Katsina and Plateau ordered all schools to close as a precautionary measure.

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She also stood by her decision to front almost all of the daily briefings and her government's "precautionary" approach.

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"During these investigations, the Campana Gallery... will be closed to the public as a precautionary measure," it said.

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When To Use

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.