precaution

/prɪˈkɔːʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /prɪˈkɔːʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /pri-ˈkȯ-shən/ (ame, mw)

precaution — noun

  • precautionsingular
  • precautionsplural

1. a step taken before a possible problem so that harm, damage, or trouble is less

1.名詞B2
釋義

a step taken before a possible problem so that harm, damage, or trouble is less likely

例句

Kian packed extra batteries as a precaution before the overnight train trip.

phrase: as a precaution

Mayumi wore gloves as a precaution while cleaning the broken window.

同義詞
  • safeguard

    often means a protection that stays in place, not one temporary step

  • preventive measure

    more formal and common in official or technical writing

  • backup

    more informal and often about an extra plan or copy

反義詞
  • risk

    focuses on exposure to possible harm rather than reducing it

  • carelessness

    means failing to act carefully before trouble can happen

文法句型

as a precaution

用法筆記

Often used for one protective step in the phrase "as a precaution." When several steps are involved, English more often uses the plural phrase "take precautions."

常見錯誤

❌We did a precaution before the trip.
✅We took precautions before the trip.
💡English uses 'take precautions' for protective actions, not 'do a precaution.'

2. a polite way to talk about birth control, especially when people say they took o

2.名詞
釋義

a polite way to talk about birth control, especially when people say they took or used it

例句

The nurse reminded Marta and her partner to take precautions every time.

phrase: take precautions

Rafael said the couple had taken precautions but still wanted medical advice.

同義詞

文法句型

take precautions

use precautions

用法筆記

Usually plural and used as a polite, indirect way to talk about preventing pregnancy. Most common after the verbs "take" and "use."

常見錯誤

❌They used a precaution last night.
✅They took precautions last night.
💡This euphemistic sense is normally plural, not a singular countable noun.

3. careful forward thinking that makes someone prepare for possible trouble before

3.名詞
釋義

careful forward thinking that makes someone prepare for possible trouble before it arrives

例句

With her usual precaution, Adina checked the route before the class hike.

formal use: precaution as a quality

Devika's precaution meant the pantry stayed full before the typhoon weekend.

同義詞
  • foresight

    focuses on seeing future needs or problems clearly

  • prudence

    more formal and often stresses wise judgment

  • wariness

    suggests alert caution, often about a specific threat

反義詞

用法筆記

Formal and uncommon. Unlike sense 1, this sense describes a person's habit of thinking ahead, not one particular step.