caveat

Pluralcaveats

Formscaveats, caveating, caveated

1. 1
   exceptionnouncountable

   A condition or exception that limits what someone says or agrees to.

   The store accepts returns, with one caveat: you must keep the receipt.

   You can borrow my car, but there are a few caveats: no eating inside, and fill the tank.

   UsageOften with the caveat that + a condition.

   Similarcondition, proviso, stipulation

   Note
2. 2
   warningnouncountable

   A warning that tells someone to be careful about something.

   The teacher gave us a caveat: the test would be harder than the last one.

   The doctor added one caveat: the medicine may make you sleepy.

   UsagePeople give or add a caveat about a risk.

   Similarwarning, caution

3. 3
   limit a statementverbtransitive

   To add a condition or limit to something you say or write.

   “I'll caveat that by saying I'm no expert,” Dad told us.

   She caveated her advice with a warning that prices might change.

   UsageSome people dislike this verb. Add a caveat says the same thing.

   Similarqualify

   Note

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