encourage caution

[en-KER-ij KAW-shun]
verb phrase
encorajar cautela / incentivar prudência
1. to promote or support careful and prudent behavior; to advise someone to be wary or careful in their actions
The doctor encouraged caution when using the new medication.
O médico encorajou cautela ao usar o novo medicamento.
2. to create an environment or provide incentives that lead to careful decision-making
Safety regulations encourage caution among workers on construction sites.
Os regulamentos de segurança encorajam prudência entre os trabalhadores em canteiros de obras.
This phrase is commonly used in professional, medical, and legal contexts in both Brazilian and American English. In Brazil, it reflects a growing emphasis on workplace safety and risk management in corporate environments. In the USA, it is particularly prevalent in healthcare, insurance, and legal advisory discussions.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
advise cautionpromote prudenceurge carerecommend warinessfoster vigilance
Antonyms / Antônimos
encourage recklessnesspromote carelessnessurge hasteincite boldness

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
encorajar cautela / incentivar prudência
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
estimular cuidado / recomendar zelo
More colloquial alternatives used in casual speech
São Paulo
encorajar cautela / promover cautela
Formal business and professional contexts
Portugal
encorajar cautela / promover prudência
Similar to Brazilian but with subtle pronunciation differences

Related Words

cautionprudencevigilancewarinesscarefulcautiousencouragerisk assessment

Related Idioms & Phrases

better safe than sorry
look before you leap
measure twice, cut once
err on the side of caution
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