cautionary

/ˈkɔːʃənəri/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkɔːʃəneri/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkȯ-shə-ˌner-ē -ˌne-rē/ (ame, mw)

cautionary — adjective

  • cautionarypositive
  • more cautionarycomparative
  • most cautionarysuperlative

1. giving a warning about possible danger or the bad results that could follow from

1.形容詞B2
釋義

giving a warning about possible danger or the bad results that could follow from a particular action

例句

Dmitri's grandmother told him a cautionary tale about trusting strangers online.

collocation: cautionary tale

The film offered a cautionary look at what happens when rivers are polluted.

同義詞
  • warning

    broader and more direct; used for immediate danger (a warning sign, a warning shot)

  • admonitory

    formal and rare; suggests gentle scolding or moral advice, mainly in literary contexts

反義詞
  • encouraging

    opposite in effect: an encouraging example invites imitation, while a cautionary one warns against it

用法筆記

Frequently used with 'tale' or 'story'. Distinguish from 'cautious' (adjective meaning careful): a cautionary story warns others; a cautious person is careful themselves.

常見錯誤

❌He is a cautionary driver.
✅He is a cautious driver.
💡'cautionary' describes something that warns; 'cautious' describes a careful person.

cautionary — noun