précaution

precaution, care, caution

noun preh-koh-SYOHN Rare

Origin: Latin praecautio

Usage Note

Précaution is commonly used in the plural: prendre des précautions means to take precautions, and par précaution means as a precaution. The phrase avec précaution (carefully, with care) appears in instructions and warnings. The adjective précautionneux means cautious or careful.

Examples

"Il faut agir avec précaution dans cette situation."

Natural Translation

You need to act with caution in this situation.

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