Caveat lector

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Caveat lector is a Latin phrase meaning "Let the reader beware."

The phrase is used in written English in two distinct ways.

• First, a writer may employ the phrase to warn a reader that what he has just read, or is about to read, may be false or deficient in some way. The writer is at pains here to ensure the reader knows the possible problems in the work.
• Second, an author may use the phrase before issuing a general warning to the reader relating to the content of the piece, rather than the written details themselves.

[edit] Examples

• (first meaning) "XYZ store, at 1600 Main Street, said in the newspaper they are selling scooters for only $9.99. Caveat lector – the print was smudged and I may have got the address details wrong."

• (second meaning) "XYZ store said in the newspaper they're selling scooters for only $9.99. Caveat lector! They don't mention that you have to pay extra for the wheels."

[edit] See also

• List of Latin phrases