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Caveat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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caveat

[ˈkæviˌæt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal term

A warning or caution. A notice given to someone in order to prevent misunderstanding or ensure that certain conditions are met.

Synonyms

admonition, caution, warning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
caveat

Typically used in formal statements to indicate a particular requirement, restriction, or condition.

  • I must offer a caveat before you sign the contract: read all the terms carefully.
  • With this plan, you can achieve great results, but there is one caveat—you must follow the instructions precisely.
warning

Employed to alert someone about potential danger, problems, or unpleasant consequences, often with a sense of urgency.

  • He ignored the flood warning and decided to go kayaking anyway.
  • The warning signs indicated the areas with high voltage.
caution

Utilized in situations requiring careful attention to avoid danger or mistakes.

  • Proceed with caution when climbing the steep rocks.
  • Caution is advised when driving in icy conditions.
admonition

Used when giving a strong warning or advice, often with a moral or authoritative tone.

  • Despite her mother's admonition, she went ahead with her risky plan.
  • The teacher's admonition about cheating was clear and stern.

Examples of usage

  • The contract included a caveat about potential risks involved in the project.
  • She added a caveat to her statement to clarify her position.
Context #2 | Noun

general usage

A stipulation, condition, or limitation. A qualification to an assertion or statement.

Synonyms

condition, qualification, stipulation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
caveat

Use 'caveat' when you want to add a warning or a specific condition to an agreement or statement. It typically signals a cautionary note.

  • You can borrow my car, but with the caveat that you must return it by 8 PM
  • There's a caveat to this offer - you must sign up by the end of the month
stipulation

'Stipulation' refers to a specific requirement that is demanded as part of an agreement. It's often used in formal legal or contractual contexts.

  • The contract includes a stipulation that the work must be completed within 60 days
  • She accepted the proposal with the stipulation that certain conditions are met
condition

'Condition' is used in situations where a requirement needs to be met for something to happen. It is a neutral term commonly used in contracts, agreements, and requirements.

  • You can join the team under the condition that you attend all the practice sessions
  • Living here comes with the condition that you do your share of the chores
qualification

'Qualification' generally means a restriction or limitation added to a statement or claim. It's used when you're narrowing down the scope of what is being said.

  • He received the job offer with the qualification that he must complete additional training
  • I agree with your point, but I have one qualification that needs to be addressed first

Examples of usage

  • His support came with a caveat that his name should not be mentioned in public.
  • The agreement had several caveats that needed to be addressed before signing.
Context #3 | Verb

formal usage

To qualify or add a stipulation to something. To give a warning or caution.

Synonyms

condition, qualify, stipulate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
caveat

Use this when indicating a warning or specific stipulation before proceeding with something.

  • She offered a few caveats before her presentation.
  • You can use this software freely, with the caveat that it is still in beta.
qualify

Use 'qualify' when you want to add a specific condition to an assertion or statement, to limit or modify what was said.

  • I need to qualify my previous statement; it turns out there were some errors.
  • The manager qualified his praise by noting that there was still room for improvement.
stipulate

Use 'stipulate' when you want to specify something explicitly as a condition or requirement, often found in contracts or formal agreements.

  • The contract stipulates that all work must be completed within six months.
  • They stipulated that the payment be made in advance.
condition

Use 'condition' when referring to a specific requirement that must be met for something to happen or be valid. It is a more general term.

  • You can join the club on the condition that you attend meetings regularly.
  • They accepted the offer under the condition that they could review the contract first.

Examples of usage

  • He caveated his approval with a request for further information.
  • The proposal was caveated with a list of potential issues.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Usage

  • In the legal world, a caveat is a formal notice to a court or public officer to suspend a certain proceeding until the notifier is heard.
  • Caveats are commonly filed to protect an estate or specific interests in legal disputes regarding property.
  • It's essential in contracts to include a caveat to clarify potential liabilities and exceptions, safeguarding against misunderstandings.

Everyday Language

  • People often use 'caveat' in casual conversation to highlight a concern or limitation that others should be aware of.
  • In negotiations, one might say 'with the caveat that...' to introduce an important condition that must be met.
  • The phrase ‘caveat lector’ translates to ‘let the reader beware,’ often used in literature and media warnings about content.

Pop Culture

  • In pop culture, characters in films or books often issue a 'caveat' when entering a risky situation, foreshadowing potential danger.
  • The use of 'caveat' has appeared in songs and poetry as a metaphor for love or relationships, indicating that one should be cautious.
  • Reality TV shows frequently showcase situations where contestants must enter with ‘caveats’ to avoid misunderstandings.

Psychology

  • Cognitive biases may lead people to disregard caveats, affecting decision-making in uncertain situations.
  • Awareness of caveats can improve critical thinking, encouraging individuals to evaluate risks before proceeding with decisions.
  • Understanding the importance of caveats is vital in behavioral economics, where people's choices often hinge on perceived risks.

Origin of 'caveat'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin phrase 'caveat emptor,' meaning 'let the buyer beware,' emphasizing the need for caution.
  • In the 16th century, 'caveat' made its way into English, primarily in legal and formal contexts, indicating a need for careful consideration.
  • The term is often used in law to introduce conditions or qualifications to agreements, signaling the importance of understanding risks.

The word 'caveat' originated from Latin, meaning 'let him beware'. It was first used in English legal documents in the 16th century. Over time, its usage expanded to include general warnings or conditions. 'Caveat' reflects the idea of alerting others to potential risks or limitations.

See also: cavern, cavity.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,193, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.