PRECAUTIONARY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does precautionary mean? 

• PRECAUTIONARY (adjective)
  The adjective PRECAUTIONARY has 1 sense:

1. taken in advance to protect against possible danger or failure

  Familiarity information: PRECAUTIONARY used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PRECAUTIONARY (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Taken in advance to protect against possible danger or failure

Synonyms:

precautional; precautionary

Context example:

I would take precautionary steps to keep him away

Similar:

preventative; preventive (tending to prevent or hinder)

Derivation:

precaution (a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.)

 Context examples 

Today, while we're waiting for experts to agree on this, it's time to implement precautionary measures.

(Health threats caused by mobile phone radiation, EUROPARL TV)

In the meanwhile the EP recommends the precautionary principle.

(Health threats caused by mobile phone radiation, EUROPARL TV)

It is now up to politicians to take a decision based on the expertise and to impose a precautionary principle, which is what I tried to do in my report, or at least a principle of reason.

(Health threats caused by mobile phone radiation, EUROPARL TV)