Precautionary: meaning, definitions and examples

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precautionary

[prɪˈkɔːʃəˌneri ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

safety measures

Done as a precaution or preventive measure; intended to prevent possible harm or trouble.

Synonyms

preventive, protective, prudent, safety.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
precautionary	Used when taking actions to prevent something bad from happening, often before there's an immediate threat. They took precautionary measures to avoid any accidents during the event
preventive	Typically used in medical or health contexts to describe actions taken to prevent illness or problems before they happen. The doctor recommended a preventive check-up to catch any potential health issues early
protective	Generally used when describing measures or items designed to keep someone or something safe from harm or damage. He wore protective gear while working in the laboratory
safety	Refers to the condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury. They always wear helmets for safety reasons when riding their bikes
prudent	Used to describe actions that are taken with careful thought and good judgment, usually to avoid risks or problems. It would be prudent to save some of your income for unexpected expenses

Examples of usage

Precautionary measures were taken to ensure the safety of all participants.
They issued a precautionary warning ahead of the storm.
The evacuation was precautionary, to avoid any potential danger.
The government advised precautionary vaccinations for travelers to the affected region.
She always carries a first aid kit as a precautionary measure.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'prae' meaning 'before' and 'cautio' meaning 'caution'.
It has been used in English since the early 19th century to imply preventive measures.
Originally, it referred to legal measures taken to prevent harm or loss.

Science

In science, precautionary measures are used to prevent harm to human health and the environment.
The Precautionary Principle advises taking protective action in the face of uncertainty, especially regarding new technologies.
Researchers often implement precautionary strategies to minimize risks during experiments.

Public Policy

Governments and organizations frequently adopt precautionary policies in the face of environmental issues like climate change.
Health organizations may recommend precautionary measures during outbreaks of diseases to prevent further spread.
Regulations may be put in place to enforce precautionary actions in workplaces to ensure worker safety.

Cultural References

In literature, characters often take precautionary steps to avoid danger, serving as important lessons about forethought.
Movies often depict heroes making precautionary choices to outsmart threats, illustrating the value of being prepared.
Cultural sayings like 'better safe than sorry' emphasize the importance of precaution.

Psychology

The psychology of risk takes into account how people evaluate and respond to potential dangers, often leading to precautionary behavior.
Cognitive biases, like optimism bias, can lead some individuals to underestimate the need for precautionary measures.
Research shows that individuals with a higher perception of risk are more likely to adopt precautionary actions.

Translations

Translations of the word "precautionary" in other languages:

🇵🇹 precaucionário

🇮🇳 सावधानीपूर्वक

🇩🇪 vorsorglich

🇮🇩 berjaga-jaga

🇺🇦 обережний

🇵🇱 ostrożnościowy

🇯🇵 予防的 (よぼうてき)

🇫🇷 précautionneux

🇪🇸 precautorio

🇹🇷 ihtiyatlı

🇰🇷 예방의

🇸🇦 احترازي

🇨🇿 preventivní

🇸🇰 preventívny

🇨🇳 预防性的 (yùfáng xìng de)

🇸🇮 previdnostni

🇮🇸 varúð

🇰🇿 сақтық

🇬🇪 სიფრთხილის

🇦🇿 ehtiyatlı

🇲🇽 precautorio

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,074, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17071 robustness
17072 botanist
17073 groaning
17074 precautionary
17075 discernment
17076 kite
17077 sufficed
...