Daily Word Box

Word

caveat

noun C1

Meanings

noun

a warning or condition that limits what you have just said or agreed to

Visual cue for caveat — meaning 1
noun

an official notice that prevents something (such as a legal action) from happening until an issue is settled

Visual cue for caveat — meaning 2

Definition

A caveat is a warning or condition that you must consider before accepting or using something.

A caveat is an important warning, limitation, or condition attached to an idea, plan, or agreement. It tells you that something is true only in certain situations or that there is a risk to keep in mind. People often add a caveat when they want to be careful and precise. In formal writing, it can also refer to an official notice that blocks an action until a dispute is resolved.

Examples

  • I agree with your plan, but I have one caveat.
  • The caveat is that the discount applies only this week.
  • She praised the report, with the caveat that more data is needed.
  • There is a caveat to using this medication with other drugs.
  • He accepted the job offer with a caveat about flexible hours.