Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

abundance of caution

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 3.61 in modern English

Syllables: abun-dance of -cau-tion
IPA

28

Scrabble Score

18

Letters

4

Syllables

11

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

Caution used to justify preemptive measures that are likely not strictly necessary.

Example Sentences

"out of an abundance of caution"
"Although the minister is in good health, he has been hospitalized today out of an abundance of caution."

Etymology

Calque of Latin abundans cautela. See also the direct borrowing ex abundante cautela.

Phrases

err on the side of caution

Frequently Paired Words

err on the side of caution

Questions

What does abundance of caution mean?: Caution used to justify preemptive measures that are likely not strictly necessary.
Where does abundance of caution come from?: Calque of Latin abundans cautela. See also the direct borrowing ex abundante cautela.

How to pronounce abundance of caution

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