precautionary
gb/pɹɪkˈɔʃənɛɹi/ us/pɹɪkˈɔʃənɛɹi/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
C1
property
1
intended to prevent possible harm
done before something bad happens in order to stop it or make it less likely
Usage pattern:
precautionary [measure/action/step/test/evacuation]
Common mistake:
Do not confuse “precautionary” with “cautious.” A cautious person is careful; a precautionary action is done to prevent possible harm.
Synonyms
preventive (more directly focused on stopping something from happening)
|
protective (emphasizes protection from harm rather than advance planning)
|
safety (often used before a noun to mean related to keeping people safe)
Antonyms
careless (showing a lack of attention to possible danger)
|
reactive (done after a problem occurs rather than in advance)
Collocations
precautionary measure
|precautionary action
|precautionary step
|precautionary approach
|precautionary test
|precautionary treatment
|precautionary evacuation
|precautionary recall
|precautionary warning
|precautionary suspension
Themes
safety
|risk
|health
|planning
Examples
- The school closed for the day as a precautionary response to the storm warning.
- Doctors ordered precautionary tests after she complained of chest pain.
- The company issued a precautionary recall of the product after discovering a possible defect.
Learner examples
- The flight was delayed for precautionary safety checks.
- We took precautionary steps before the hurricane arrived.
Grammar
Dictionary form
precautionary
IPA
GB/pɹɪkˈɔʃənɛɹi/
US/pɹɪkˈɔʃənɛɹi/
Syllables & stress
pre - cau - tion - ary (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cau)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: precautionary
Expressions
as a precautionary measure
1/ˈæz ə pɹɪkˈɔʃənɛɹi mˈɛʒɚ/
fixed phrase
to reduce possible risk
done just in case something bad might happen
Examples
- As a precautionary measure, residents were asked to boil their drinking water.
- The building was evacuated as a precautionary measure after the gas leak was reported.
- She was kept in hospital overnight as a precautionary measure.
precautionary principle
1/pɹɪkˈɔʃənɛɹi pɹˈɪnsəpəl/
fixed phrase
formal
act despite uncertain risk
a rule saying that you should act to prevent serious possible harm even if you are not completely sure it will happen
Examples
- Regulators invoked the precautionary principle when they restricted the use of the chemical.
- Supporters argue that the precautionary principle is essential when environmental damage may be irreversible.
- The court considered whether the agency had properly applied the precautionary principle.