Caveat

In its original sense, the noun caveat means a warning or caution. It comes from Latin, where it means, literally, let him beware. Caveat did not originally mean a qualification, condition, or limitation, but it is so often used this way that we out to accept that the word has changed. The American Heritage Dictionary already lists this newer definition, but it is not only Americans who use caveat in the newer sense.

Examples

Examples of caveat used as a synonym of qualification or limitation abound in publications from throughout the English-speaking world—for example:

The scheme’s major caveat is that it’s only open to those households which have already installed top-notch levels of insulation. [Guardian]

The big caveat, though, is that the link does not prove that tea or coffee, themselves, are the reason for the lower risk. [Sydney Morning Herald]

Another caveat is that I don’t think there are any great hotels or resorts in the Bahamas, or the potential for them to exist. [Forbes]

But some still use caveat in its original sense, to mean a warning or caution—for example:

One caveat though: if intending to fish for records or in game fishing competitions, make sure you use a line that is IGFA (International Game Fishing Association) rated … [Stuff.co.nz]

And, a caveat about circles: it seems like it’s only a matter of time until something someone meant to share with friends only goes public. [Vancouver Sun]

A caveat: Availability of the fares is limited and subject to change. [USA Today]