Cool MateCaution vs Vigilance is the price of safety
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Caution
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
Vigilance is the price of safety
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Caution
| Caution | Vigilance is the price of safety | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkɔːʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkɔːʃn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈvɪdʒɪləns//🇺🇸 //ˈvɪdʒɪləns// |
| Meaning | Be careful. | Staying alert helps keep you safe. |
| Example | Caution is advised when driving in heavy rain. | In a world full of dangers, vigilance is the price of safety. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | considerable, extra, extreme, exercise, take, use, with caution, err on the side of caution, the need for caution, sound a note of caution, formal, get off with, receive, give somebody | require vigilance, maintain vigilance, demand vigilance, high vigilance, constant vigilance |
| Antonyms | carelessness, recklessness | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'cause' — learners may use 'caution' incorrectly as a reason., Using 'caution' as a verb — 'caution' is primarily a noun., Incorrectly spelling 'caution' as 'cautiont'. | Misunderstanding the meaning as just being cautious without awareness, Confusing 'vigilance' with 'vigil' which is a specific watch or ceremony, Using it in non-security contexts inappropriately |
| Usage notes | Use 'caution' when advising someone to be careful. It is appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but can sound slightly formal in casual conversations. | Use in discussions about safety or security; appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Caution vs Vigilance is the price of safety
What's the difference between Caution and Vigilance is the price of safety?
Caution: Be careful. Vigilance is the price of safety: Staying alert helps keep you safe.
Which is more common: Caution and Vigilance is the price of safety?
Caution is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Caution: Caution is advised when driving in heavy rain. Vigilance is the price of safety: In a world full of dangers, vigilance is the price of safety.
Can I use Caution and Vigilance is the price of safety interchangeably?
Not always. Caution and Vigilance is the price of safety are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.