A caveat is a warning or condition attached to something, a little “watch out” that makes you pause before accepting an offer or believing a claim. The word comes from Latin and literally means “let him beware.”

When someone offers you something with a caveat, they're being honest about a limitation or potential problem. A friend might lend you their bike with the caveat that the brakes are loose. A teacher might praise your essay with the caveat that you need to fix the spelling errors. A weather forecast predicting sunshine comes with the caveat that conditions could change.

Caveats aren't necessarily bad news: they're simply important information you need to know. Scientists include caveats in their research to show where their conclusions might not apply. A store might advertise a sale with the caveat that supplies are limited. Your parents might say yes to a sleepover with the caveat that you finish your homework first.