cautionary

Borrowed from Medieval Latin cautiōnārius.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈkɔːʃənəɹi/, /ˈkɔːʃənɹi/

  • Audio (Southern England):

    (file)

• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈkɔʃəˌnɛɹi/
• (cot–caught merger) IPA^(key): /ˈkɑ.ʃəˌnɛɹ.i/
• (General Australian) IPA^(key): /ˈkoː.ʃə.nə.ɹi/, /ˈkoː.ʃən.ɹi/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

cautionary (comparative more cautionary, superlative most cautionary)

1. Serving to caution or warn; admonitory

   Most parents were optimistic, but others sounded a cautionary note.

2. Serving to ward off; preventive
3. (obsolete) Held as security or hostage

• 2003 Paul Magdalino - Byzantium in the Year 1000

  Constantine's provision seems drawn from recent experience and intended for practical application, rather than being just a form of cautionary tale . . .

• 1715, Casimir Freschot, The Compleat History of the Treaty of Utrecht:

  instead of the Cautionary Towns offer'd in the Law Countries, ought to be now contented . . .

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