The word caveat etymologically comes from the Latin word cavere which literally means “let him beware”.

The Webster’s Dictionary gives us at least three meanings of caveat: a) a warning enjoining one from certain acts or practices, b) an explanation to prevent misinterpretation, and c) a modifying or cautionary detail to be considered when evaluating, interpreting, or doing something.
In the business world however, caveat has taken on a different meaning. It has shifted from precaution to invitation, an enticement. The word caveat is used to mean short-term or bridge as in caveat loans or caveat finance.
Because of the rapid approval or settlement (within a day), caveat loans or bridge loans are ideal for businesses that have an immediate need for additional capital. These types of loans have maturity dates between three months and three years. Monthly interest rates can be as low as 1.5% to as high as 15% depending on the risks involved, i.e., the higher the risk the higher the interest rate.
Caveat or bridge loans play an important role in Australia’s financial environment. An online search for caveat loans Australia brings us to several financial institutions that offer caveat or bridge loans. Examples are: Australian Business Finance, Interim Finance, Universal Finance, and Finance Today. Of course, each of these institutions claims to be the leader in caveat loans.
With this claim of being the leader by competing caveat lending institutions, the etymological meaning of caveat, i.e. let him beware is not lost after all.