caveat
Meaning(s)
1. a warning in advance of future action or a limiting or modifying condition attached to something
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Low
Social
How to Memorize
add a caveat/attach a caveat/just one caveat
Analysis
A 'caveat' can be a warning to consider before deciding on future actions: "One caveat: while the photo shoot is free, the photos remain the property of the photographer and can be modified and reproduced in any way." Or it can be a condition of an agreement: "The client has agreed to give us an extension with the caveat that they can hire additional providers to speed up the process." This term is often used in terms and conditions or in legal agreements. It is a formal word used almost exclusively in professional and legal contexts. Similar terms include 'the catch is', or 'the terms are'.
Social Examples (Advance)
- The actor agreed to be interviewed by the journalist, but added the caveat that he would have the right to approve the final article before publication.
- Whenever an offer appears too good to be true, there tends to be some kind of caveat attached to it. There's no such thing as a free lunch!
Professional Examples (Advance)
- After a lot of back and forth, it was agreed that the merger between the two companies could go ahead, but with just one caveat: the deal would have to be signed in the next twenty-four hours.
- Sub-contractors often work with the caveat that they can set their own hours and employ others to do their work if necessary.