precautionary
Loading your saved state.
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.
careful / cautious
'vorsichtig' and 'vorsorglich' both have to do with avoiding problems or dangers. 'vorsichtig' describes how someone acts in a situation: slowly, attentively, and without unnecessary risk. 'vorsorglich' means that you do something in advance so that no problem arises later. Learners may confuse the words because both are connected with caution. The difference is: 'vorsichtig' describes the manner of acting; 'vorsorglich' describes a preventive measure.
Vor dem Urlaub hat sie vorsorglich alle wichtigen Dokumente kopiert.
Before the vacation, she copied all the important documents as a precaution.
Wegen des nassen Bodens geht die Mitarbeiterin vorsichtig durch den Flur.
Because of the wet floor, the employee walks carefully through the hallway.