Definition of Cautionary
Quick Meaning of Cautionary
Giving or serving as a warning about something bad that could happen if you're not careful.
Detailed Definition of Cautionary
Serving as or offering a warning; intended to warn against potential danger or negative outcomes.
How to Pronounce Cautionary
Stress pattern: Oooo (4-syllable word).
Tip: KAW-shen-er-ee. Stress the first syllable (KAW). Four syllables: KAW-shen-er-ee. Not 'caw-TION-er-ee'—that's incorrect.
Watch out: Learners may stress second syllable: 'caw-TION-er-ee' or third: 'caw-tion-ER-ee'. Correct: KAW-shen-er-ee with stress on first syllable.
Origin and Etymology of Cautionary
From Latin 'cautio' (caution, precaution), derived from 'cavere' (to beware, take care). Suffix '-ary' denotes purpose or tendency. The root suggests watchfulness and foresight against danger.
How to Use Cautionary in a Sentence
Each example shows “cautionary” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“Sophocles employs a cautionary narrative in Oedipus Rex, warning against hubris and the limits of human knowledge.”
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“The documentary presents the rise and fall of the empire as a cautionary tale about imperial overreach.”
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“Financial advisors offer cautionary guidance about unsustainable debt accumulation.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Cautionary
Common Synonyms for Cautionary
Smart Synonyms for Cautionary — When to Use Each
- admonitory
- Expressing rebuke; more judgmental than cautionary's neutral warning
- warning
- Generic alert; less formal than cautionary's structured narrative
- preventative
- Designed to stop harm; more action-oriented than cautionary's
Antonyms of Cautionary
Common Collocations with Cautionary
These phrases pair with “cautionary” in everyday English:
- cautionary tale
- cautionary note
- cautionary tale
- cautionary warning
- cautionary narrative
Common Mistakes When Using Cautionary
Even fluent speakers slip up with “cautionary”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: It is more cautionary than other.
- ✓ Correct: It is more cautionary than the other one.
- Why: Use complete noun phrase after "than", not just "other".
- ✗ Wrong: She acted cautionary.
- ✓ Correct: She acted in a cautionary manner.
- Why: Adjective "{word}" needs noun like "manner" or "way", or use adverb form.
- ✗ Wrong: The cautionaryest person.
- ✓ Correct: The most cautionary person.
- Why: Multi-syllable adjective uses "most + adj", not "-est" suffix.
Other Forms of Cautionary
- Noun: caution
- Verb: caution
- Adjective: cautionary
- Adverb: cautionarily
Frequently Asked Questions About Cautionary
What is the meaning of "Cautionary"?
Giving or serving as a warning about something bad that could happen if you're not careful.
How do you pronounce "Cautionary"?
The IPA is /ˈkɔːʃəneri/. KAW-shen-er-ee. Stress the first syllable (KAW). Four syllables: KAW-shen-er-ee. Not 'caw-TION-er-ee'—that's incorrect.
What part of speech is "Cautionary"?
"Cautionary" is an adjective at C2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Cautionary"?
Common synonyms include warning, admonitory, cautious.
How do you use "Cautionary" in a sentence?
For example: "Sophocles employs a cautionary narrative in Oedipus Rex, warning against hubris and the limits of human knowledge."