caveat
A warning or limitation to consider
Examples
In a meeting
“The plan looks good, with one caveat: we need legal approval first.”
Over coffee
“You can borrow my car, but there's a caveat—the AC doesn't work.”
Why this word
warning
Warning is general alert to danger, while caveat specifically indicates a qualification or condition attached to an agreement or statement
limitation
Limitation describes a restriction, but caveat emphasizes a formal notice or caution about specific conditions
concern
Concern is vague worry, while caveat is a precise legal/formal term for a specific condition or exception to note
Usage tip
Use when adding a condition or warning to an otherwise positive statement
Etymology
Latin: caveat 'let him beware', from cavere 'to beware'
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Related words
inadvisable
Not recommended; likely to have undesirable consequences
premature
Occurring before the appropriate or expected time
conducive
Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible; favorable to.
contingent
Dependent on something else happening or being true
prudent
Showing careful good judgment and avoiding unnecessary risks
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion