Vocabulary
Caveat meaning: a warning or condition to remember
Sign in to saveA plan can sound good and still have one detail that changes your decision. Caveat names that detail.
Use caveat for a warning, condition, or limitation that someone should remember before agreeing or deciding.
Read and practice
Read the examples and try the written questions in this guide. Listening recordings are not available for this lesson yet.
Try the written questions
caveat /ˈkæviæt/
The short answer
A caveat is an important warning, condition, or limitation that you should consider before you accept an idea or agreement.
The job offer was attractive, with one caveat: the role required travel every month.
Why it works: The travel requirement may affect whether the person accepts the offer.
3 more examples
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The plan looks useful, with one caveat: it needs approval before it can begin.
The approval requirement limits how soon the plan can start.
Not this:The plan looks useful,
and it needs approvalbefore it can begin. What changes: This sentence gives the fact, but it does not show that the fact is a condition the listener should weigh. -
She accepted the offer, with the caveat that she could work from home twice a week.
Her acceptance depends on a stated work arrangement.
Not this:She accepted the offer
because she could work from hometwice a week. What changes: Because gives a reason. With the caveat that presents a condition attached to the agreement. -
One caveat is that the figures are from last year.
The age of the figures may limit how much confidence people place in them.
Not this:
One benefitis that the figures are from last year. What changes: Benefit changes the meaning. Old figures are a limit to consider, not an advantage.
Read the full guide
Use caveat when you want to add a detail that limits an earlier positive statement. It often comes after phrases such as with one caveat or with the caveat that.
Start with the extra condition
A caveat adds a point that may change how someone sees an offer, plan, or claim. It asks the listener to pause and consider one limit before deciding.
There is one caveat: the ticket cannot be changed after purchase.
Add a caveat to a statement
Use with one caveat after a positive or useful point. Use with the caveat that when you want to give the full condition in the next part of the sentence.
The course is free, with the caveat that you must sign up by Friday.
Know when the word fits
A caveat is more than extra information. It is a detail that can affect a decision or limit how strongly you accept a claim. Ask yourself whether the added point changes what someone should do or believe.
The train leaves at 8:00 is a fact. The ticket is valid only on that train can be a caveat if it limits a travel plan.
Say caveat clearly
Caveat has three syllables: CAV-ee-at. Keep the first syllable clear, then move quickly through the last two. Don't put the stress on the middle syllable.
There's one caveat before you sign the agreement.
Choose the word in context
A colleague says a new tool is helpful, but users need a paid account after the first month. Is caveat a good choice?
Yes. The paid account is a condition that may affect whether someone chooses the tool. You could say, The tool is helpful, with one caveat: users need a paid account after the first month.
Before you go
Remember this
Use caveat for a warning, condition, or limitation that people should keep in mind. You can say with one caveat, with the caveat that, or one caveat is that.
Practice with the written examples
You can practice with the written questions in the Learn tab. Each answer includes an explanation.
Try the written questionsListening test not available yet
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Try the written questionsQuestions about "Caveat meaning: a warning or condition to remember"
What does caveat mean?
A caveat is a warning, condition, or limitation that you should consider before accepting an idea, offer, or agreement.
The plan looks useful, with one caveat: it needs approval before it can begin.
Can caveat be a condition?
Yes. A caveat can state a condition that must be remembered. For example, an offer may be accepted with the caveat that certain dates can change.
The plan looks useful, and it needs approval before it can begin.
How do I use caveat in a sentence?
Use phrases such as with one caveat, with the caveat that, or one caveat is that. These phrases introduce the warning or limitation.
She accepted the offer, with the caveat that she could work from home twice a week.
What is the difference between a caveat and a warning?
A warning can describe any notice of danger. A caveat is usually a warning, condition, or limit attached to a particular statement, offer, or agreement.
She accepted the offer because she could work from home twice a week.
How do you pronounce caveat?
Say CAV-ee-at. The stress falls on the first syllable. Use the lesson examples to choose the meaning and sentence pattern that fit your context.
One caveat is that the figures are from last year.