Skip to content

Table of Contents

The word for today is…

caveat (noun):

1a: a warning enjoining one from certain acts or practices

b: an explanation to prevent misinterpretation

c: a modifying or cautionary detail to be considered when evaluating, interpreting, or doing something

2: a legal warning to a judicial officer to suspend a proceeding until the opposition has a hearing

Source : Merriam -Webster

Etymology : You may be familiar with the old saying caveat emptor, nowadays loosely translated as "let the buyer beware." In the 16th century, this adage was imparted as a safeguard for the seller: allow the buyer to examine the item (for example, a horse) before the sale is completed so that the seller can't be blamed if the item turns out to be unsatisfactory. Caveat in Latin means "let him beware" and comes from the verb cavēre, meaning "to be on guard." Perhaps you've also heard the phrase caveat lector; translated as "let the reader beware," it's a warning to take what one reads with a grain of salt. English retained caveat itself as a noun for something that serves to warn, explain, or caution. The word caution, by the way (no salt needed), is also a descendant of cavēre.

If you enjoyed this Good Oil word of the day please consider sharing it with your friends and, especially, your children.

Latest