Caveat: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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' 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' 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' 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

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.

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.

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.

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.