precautionary

Everyday

1. Done to stop something bad from happening, before it happens. tree →
2. (formal) Done just in case, to be safe, even if the danger may not be real. tree →

In the lessons

Used in safety and news: a «precautionary measure», a «precautionary evacuation», taking a child to hospital «as a precautionary step». It tells the reader there may be no real harm yet. Phrases: «as a precautionary measure», «a precautionary approach».

Examples

• As a precautionary measure, the school closed early because of the storm. tree →
• The nurse kept him in for a precautionary check. tree →
• The fire alarm sounded, and we left the building as a precautionary step. tree →
• The lifeguard closed the beach as a precautionary move after a shark was seen. tree →
• We packed spare batteries as a precautionary thing. tree →
• Precautionary signs warned of thin ice on the pond. tree →

Note

Adjective from «precaution» (a step taken to stay safe). It goes before a noun: «a precautionary measure». Fairly formal, often in notices and news. Spelling: pre-caution-ary. Not a maths word.