Basic Details
Word: Precaution
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: An action taken to prevent something bad from happening.
Synonyms: Safeguard, measure, protection
Antonyms: Carelessness, negligence
Idioms and Phrases
- Better safe than sorry: It is wiser to be careful than to take risks that could lead to problems. Example: "She decided to wear a helmet while riding her bike; better safe than sorry!"
- Take precautions: To take steps to prevent something dangerous from happening. Example: "Before the storm, we took precautions by securing the windows."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The doctor advised us to take precautions to avoid getting sick during flu season.
Example 2: Always wear sunscreen as a precaution when you go out in the sun.
Example 3: The school implemented several safety precautions to ensure the children are safe during fire drills.
Fun Fact
The word "precaution" comes from the Latin word "praecautio," meaning "to guard against." It has been used since the 15th century to describe actions taken to prevent harm.
Famous Quote
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." - Benjamin Franklin
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "precaution" mean?
a) A fun activity
b) An action to prevent danger
c) A type of animal
d) A piece of furniture
Answer: b) An action to prevent danger
2. Which of these is a synonym of "precaution"?
a) Neglect
b) Safeguard
c) Hazard
d) Risk
Answer: b) Safeguard
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "precaution"?
a) Carefulness
b) Carelessness
c) Measure
d) Protection
Answer: b) Carelessness
4. Which of the following sentences uses "precaution" correctly?
a) He took precautions by studying for the exam.
b) She made a precaution meal for dinner.
c) They went swimming as a precaution.
d) We need to take precautions to avoid accidents.
Answer: d) We need to take precautions to avoid accidents.
5. Which idiom means to act carefully to prevent problems?
a) Better safe than sorry
b) A penny for your thoughts
c) Break a leg
d) Hit the nail on the head
Answer: a) Better safe than sorry
