German word

vorsorglich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfoːɐ̯ˌzɔɐ̯klɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivepreventive

Example

Wir sollten vorsorgliche Vorkehrungen treffen.

We should take preventive measures.

Illustration for vorsorglich (preventive)

More examples

Das Team setzte vorsorgliche Vorkehrungen vor Beginn der Bauarbeiten um.

The team implemented preventive measures before the construction work began.

Core concept

A spare key arranged before the lock fails.

Common phrases

  • vorsorgliche Vorkehrungen

    preventive measures

  • vorsorgliche Empfehlung

    preventive recommendation

Similar words

vorsichtig: Attentive and careful when acting in a risky situation.
umsichtig: Thoughtful about circumstances and the consequences of an action.

Definition in German

So gehandelt oder geplant, dass man aus Vorsicht im Voraus Schaden oder Probleme verhindert.

Word origin

The adjective derives from German "Vorsorge" (provision or precaution), formed from "vor" (before) and "Sorge" (care or concern), with "-lich" making an adjective.

Usage tips

  • Unlike "vorsichtig", which describes careful behavior during an action, "vorsorglich" describes action taken beforehand to prevent a problem.

Other meanings

  • as a precautionadverb

Opposites

  • nachlässignegligentadjective

Related words

  • Vorsorgeprecautionnoun
  • Vorsorgemaßnahmepreventive measurenoun

Word lists with this word