Meaning & Definition of word "Caveat"

Caveat

/ˈkæv.i.æt/

noun:

  • 1. a warning or proviso of specific stipulations, conditions, or limitations.
    • Example: She accepted the job offer with the caveat that her salary would be reviewed in six months.
  • 2. a legal warning or notice.
    • Example: The lawyer filed a caveat to prevent the sale of the estate until the dispute was resolved.
  • 3. a cautionary detail to be considered when assessing or analyzing something.
    • Example: The results of the study were promising, but there was one important caveat: the sample size was very small.
  • 4. a stipulation that modifies a general statement.
    • Example: His faith in the investment was strong, but he added a caveat regarding market volatility.

Etymology

Latin 'caveat', meaning 'let him beware'

Common Phrases and Expressions

caveat emptor:

Let the buyer beware; the principle that the buyer alone is responsible for checking the quality of a purchase.

caveat lector:

Let the reader beware; a warning to readers about what they are reading.

Related Words

caution:

A warning to take care in a particular situation.

warning:

A statement or event that indicates a possible or impending danger.

Slang Meanings of caveat

Meaning: A heads up about potential issues.

Example Sentence: Just a caveat, that plan could backfire.