ettevaatlikkus
Ettevaatlikkus is an Estonian noun commonly translated as caution, carefulness, or prudence. It denotes a disposition or practice of taking precautions, avoiding unnecessary risk, and attending to potential hazards before acting. The word derives from the adjective ettevaatlik (careful, watchful) with the nominalizing suffix -kus.
In everyday use, ettevaatlikkus describes behaviors such as checking instructions, using protective equipment, or choosing safer
Psychologically, ettevaatlikkus is associated with risk perception, risk aversion, and anticipatory thinking. It can be adaptive,
In policy and science, related ideas appear in the precautionary principle, which recommends preventive action in