precautionary
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precautionary
Done as a preventive measure in order to prevent possible future problems, damage, or dangers. Acting in advance out of caution.
Vor dem angekündigten Sturm haben wir vorsorglich alle Gartenmöbel ins Haus geräumt.
Before the announced storm, we moved all the garden furniture into the house as a precaution.
'Vorsorglich' (precautionary/as a precaution) is derived from 'Vorsorge' (precaution/provision), which consists of 'vor' (before) and 'sorgen' (to care/provide). It therefore describes an action with which you 'take care of something in advance' in order to avoid a problem.
Gute Vorsorge für das Alter ist wichtig.
Good provision for old age is important.
'Vorsorglich' (as a precaution) is very often used as an adverb that gives the reason for an entire action. It answers the question 'Why?' and usually appears in the middle of the sentence.
Ich habe vorsorglich einen Regenschirm mitgenommen, obwohl die Sonne scheint.
I took an umbrella as a precaution, even though the sun is shining.
You act 'vorsorglich' (as a precaution) by checking something, informing someone, canceling something, or taking something with you. It is always about getting ahead of a possible negative development.
Wir haben den Termin vorsorglich abgesagt, da der Redner krank war.
We canceled the appointment as a precaution because the speaker was ill.
as a precaution
Both words describe acting cautiously in response to possible future problems. „Vorsorglich“ is an adjective and usually comes before a noun, while „vorsichtshalber“ is an adverbial expression that describes the action more closely. Use „vorsorglich“ for the measure itself and „vorsichtshalber“ for the reason for taking the action.
Die Ärztin traf vorsorgliche Maßnahmen, um mögliche Probleme zu vermeiden.
The doctor took precautionary measures to prevent possible problems.
Die Ärztin nahm vorsichtshalber weitere Unterlagen mit.
The doctor brought additional documents along as a precaution.
