Words / B2

KORSHUN/ˈkɔːʃn/

Caution is care taken to avoid danger: proceed with caution, a note of caution. Care is everyday; wariness is closer when you distrust. Caution is also a formal police warning in Britain (be given a caution) instead of a charge. Cautious is the adjective. In speech, be careful is enough. Do not confuse a police caution with a friendly reminder, and do not use caution as a verb in British exams the American way (they cautioned him = they warned him) unless you mean that official warning.

Meaning

Care taken to avoid danger; also a formal warning from the police.

Examples

• “Cross the road with caution.”
• “Treat the wet floor with caution; the sign is there because someone has already slipped.”
• “She accepted a police caution for the first offence and did not go to court.”

Good to know

Care to avoid danger. with caution. Everyday: care. Adjective: cautious. BrE legal: a police warning (not always a court case).

Near in meaning

care

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