precautionary interpretation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precautionary interpretation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is discussing the need to interpret information or regulations in a cautious or preventive manner. Example: "In legal matters, a precautionary interpretation of the regulations can help avoid potential liabilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Our precautionary interpretation of these trends is that both outbreeding and inbreeding might be detrimental to survival for ECO Atlantic salmon.

Evolutionary Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Regulation of chemicals should become more protective and precautionary, particularly in the interpretation of what effects should be considered adverse.

Environmental Health Perspectives

A strict interpretation of the precautionary principle would require us to stop driving because thousands of Americans die each year on the highways.

The New Yorker

Opponents often invoke a one-sided interpretation of the "precautionary principle,'' which argues against introducing activities into the environment that, in theory, could cause harm to human health.

The New Yorker

Opponents often invoke a one-sided interpretation of the "precautionary principle," which argues against introducing activities into the environment that, in theory, could cause harm to human health.

The New Yorker

He said Europe's decision in April to suspend the use of neonicotinoid pesticides linked to serious harm to bees, for example, was political and based on a very strict interpretation of the precautionary principle.

The Guardian

Licensing procedures are also viewed by developers as time-consuming because regulators see ocean energy as a new activity with unknown or uncertain effects and consequently often apply strong interpretation of the precautionary principle.

International Journal of Marine Energy

As there is no scientific justification for present GE-regulation, and as it has, so far, not prevented any harm, our society has the urgent responsibility to reconsider present regulation, which is based on an extreme interpretation of the precautionary principle, and change it to science-based regulation on the basis of traits instead of technology.

New Biotechnology

One of the most insidious trends in these and other areas is towards extreme precaution, often built around an extreme interpretation of the precautionary principle.

eLife

The chemical's manufacturer, Bayer, claimed the report, released on Wednesday, did not alter existing risk assessments and warned against "over-interpretation of the precautionary principle".

The Guardian

Bayer, which makes the world's most widely-used insecticide imidacloprid, warned against "over-interpretation of the precautionary principle" and said "multiple factors" were behind bee colony losses.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "precautionary interpretation" when you want to emphasize a cautious, safety-first approach to understanding data or regulations.

Common error

Avoid using "precautionary interpretation" in contexts that don't require a high degree of caution; simpler terms like "understanding" or "analysis" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precautionary interpretation" functions as a noun phrase, where "precautionary" modifies "interpretation", highlighting a cautious approach to understanding something. Ludwig supports this by providing examples of its use in scientific and regulatory contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "precautionary interpretation" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a cautious and conservative approach to understanding information, particularly in contexts involving potential risks. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is accurate and usable. While not extremely common, its usage across scientific and news sources suggests its validity in formal and technical discussions. Alternatives like "cautious understanding" or "careful assessment" offer similar nuances. It's advisable to use this phrase when emphasizing the need for safety and risk mitigation in understanding complex data or regulations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cautious understanding

Replaces "interpretation" with "understanding", emphasizing comprehension with care.

careful assessment

Shifts from interpretation to assessment, focusing on a thorough and deliberate evaluation.

prudent analysis

Uses "prudent" to highlight wisdom and caution in the analysis process.

conservative reading

Implies an interpretation that avoids risk or overestimation.

guarded explanation

Suggests a protective or reserved approach to explaining something.

circumspect evaluation

Highlights the need for careful consideration of all circumstances during evaluation.

responsible construction

Focuses on the careful and ethical building or creation of meaning.

vigilant reading

Emphasizes the need for watchfulness and alertness in understanding the information.

measured appraisal

Implies a balanced and thoughtful evaluation, avoiding extremes.

mindful explication

Highlights the attentiveness and awareness brought to the process of explaining.

FAQs

How to use "precautionary interpretation" in a sentence?

You can use "precautionary interpretation" to describe a careful approach to understanding information. For example: "The regulator adopted a "precautionary interpretation" of the safety data before approving the new drug".

What can I say instead of "precautionary interpretation"?

Alternatives include "cautious understanding", "careful assessment", or "prudent analysis", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use a "precautionary interpretation"?

A "precautionary interpretation" is appropriate when dealing with uncertain or potentially risky situations, where erring on the side of caution is paramount.

What does it mean to take a "precautionary interpretation" of something?

Taking a "precautionary interpretation" means understanding something in a way that minimizes potential risks or negative consequences, often by assuming the worst-case scenario.