The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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caveat

noun

/ˈkavɪat/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of caveat

A warning or qualification made to limit or restrict the scope of something, or to express a reservation or condition.
"The caveat in the lease agreement was that the tenant was responsible for repairs."

Detailed meaning of caveat

It is often used in legal contexts to indicate a reservation or condition that must be met in order for something to be valid or binding. For example, in real estate, a buyer may insert a caveat to the sale agreement, warning the seller that the sale is dependent on certain conditions being met, such as home inspection or mortgage approval. A sentence using the word caveat would be "The lawyer added a caveat to the contract, warning that the agreement was subject to the approval of the court."

Example sentences containing caveat

1. The caveat in the contract was not noticed until it was too late.
2. He gave a warning with a caveat that the information was unverified.
3. The caveat emptor principle requires the buyer to be aware of any potential issues.
4. She added a caveat to her statement, qualifying her previous remarks.
5. The caveat of the investment was that it carried a high level of risk.
6. He included a caveat in his will to protect his family's inheritance.

History and etymology of caveat

The noun 'caveat' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the phrase 'caveat emptor,' which means 'let the buyer beware.' In this context, 'caveat' is the third person singular present subjunctive form of the Latin verb 'cavere,' which means 'to beware' or 'to take heed.' The phrase was used in legal and commercial contexts in ancient Rome to emphasize the principle that purchasers should be cautious and aware of potential issues when buying goods. Over time, 'caveat' evolved into a noun in English and came to signify any warning or qualification that serves to limit or restrict the scope of something, or to express a reservation or condition. Thus, the etymology of 'caveat' reflects its historical association with caution and the need to be aware of potential pitfalls or limitations.

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Further usage examples of caveat

1. The caveat of the loan was that it had to be repaid within a year.
2. She made a purchase with the caveat that she could return it if she wasn't satisfied.
3. He gave a gift with the caveat that it was not to be used for personal gain.
4. The caveat of the service was that it was only available in certain areas.
5. She agreed to the plan with the caveat that her concerns were addressed.
6. The police officer let him off on this occasion, but with the caveat that next time he would not be so lenient.
7. The contract contains a legal caveat regarding intellectual property.
8. A critical caveat in the agreement protects both parties' interests.
9. Before you invest, consider the caveat about market volatility.
10. Her advice comes with an essential caveat about personal responsibility.
11. The proposal has a significant caveat concerning budget constraints.
12. They discussed the caveat about potential conflicts of interest.
13. The decision was made with a caveat regarding future changes.
14. The recommendation is subject to one important caveat: time.
15. He emphasized the caveat concerning data privacy.
16. The partnership agreement includes a caveat for dissolution.
17. We should consider the caveat before implementing the new policy.
18. His support comes with a caveat regarding financial contributions.
19. The project's success hinges on a technical caveat.
20. The report's conclusions are subject to a crucial caveat.
21. The offer is tempting, but a caveat raises concerns.
22. Their enthusiasm was tempered by a caveat about resource availability.
23. She mentioned a caveat about potential legal issues.
24. The sale agreement contains a crucial caveat for buyer protection.
25. The plan's feasibility depends on a caveat about market research.
26. Before signing, read the contract's caveat about termination.