circumspect

[ sur-kuhm-spekt ]

adjective

1. watchful and discreet; cautious; prudent:

   circumspect behavior.

   Synonyms: guarded, vigilant, careful

   Antonyms: indiscreet, careless

2. well-considered:

   circumspect ambition.

circumspect

/ ˈsɜːkəmˌspɛkt /

adjective

1. cautious, prudent, or discreet

Derived Forms

• ˌcircumˈspective, adjective
• ˌcircumˈspection, noun
• ˈcircumˌspectly, adverb

Other Words From

• cir·cum·spect·ly adverb
• cir·cum·spect·ness noun
• non·cir·cum·spect adjective
• non·cir·cum·spect·ness noun
• o·ver·cir·cum·spect adjective
• un·cir·cum·spect adjective
• un·cir·cum·spect·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumspect¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin circumspectus (past participle of circumspicere “to look around”), equivalent to circum- “around, about” ( circum- ) + spec(ere) “to look” + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumspect¹

C15: from Latin circumspectus, from circum- + specere to look

Example Sentences

Some of the Americans joining ISIS are less than circumspect, especially online.

From The Daily Beast

On whether he would pursue a similar case against Herman, Singer was more circumspect than his blistering letter of May 8.

From The Daily Beast

As for the other part of the war on poverty, Obama was more circumspect.

From The Daily Beast

He remained circumspect and offered no details as I quickly departed.

From The Daily Beast

Just last week, Barack Obama was sounding very circumspect about the whole business.

From The Daily Beast

Sad and very rough experience of life had taught him to be uncommonly circumspect for his years.

From Project Gutenberg

Of course the cook sought to counteract such tendencies, but he had to be very circumspect, for Sambo resented insults fiercely.

From Project Gutenberg

But Lillie aspired somewhat higher than Sunday-school concerts and such circumspect circles.

From Project Gutenberg

She is always carefully circumspect, and so works out a patient revenge, though I believe I did her no wrong.

From Project Gutenberg

Therefore, my son, be very circumspect, and show this only to wise and discreet men.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cagey
• careful
• considerate
• discriminating
• judicious
• meticulous
• prudent
• scrupulous
• vigilant
• wary