Cautionary Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

Giving a warning or meant to advise about possible danger or problems so people can avoid them.

Usage & Nuances

Mainly used in formal or semi-formal contexts, especially for stories, tales, advice, or warnings ('cautionary tale', 'cautionary message'). Not commonly used in everyday casual speech. 'Cautionary' often implies learning from mistakes or dangers.

• Spanish: de advertencia - aleccionador
• Portuguese (BR): de advertência - de alerta
• Portuguese (PT): de advertência - de alerta
• Chinese (Simplified): 警示的 - 警世的
• Chinese (Traditional): 警示的 - 警世的
• Hindi: चेतावनी देने वाला
• Arabic: تحذيري
• Bengali: সতর্কতামূলক - সতর্কবাণীমূলক
• Russian: предостерегающий - предупреждающий
• Japanese: 警告的 - 注意喚起の
• Vietnamese: mang tính cảnh báo - có tính răn đe
• Korean: 경고의 - 주의의
• Turkish: uyarıcı
• Urdu: انتباہی - خبردار کرنے والا
• Indonesian: peringatan - bersifat peringatan

Example Sentences

Her experience serves as a cautionary tale for anyone thinking of ignoring safety rules.

natural

The teacher told a cautionary story about not doing homework.

basic

He gave me some cautionary advice before my trip.

basic

This is a cautionary warning about touching hot surfaces.

basic

There’s a cautionary message in every scary movie.

natural

He took her cautionary words seriously and checked everything twice.

natural