circumspection

[ sur-kuhm-spek-shuhn ]
See synonyms for circumspection on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. circumspect observation or action; caution; prudence: He approached with circumspection.

Origin of circumspection

1
1350–1400; Middle English <Latin circumspectiōn- (stem of circumspectiō), equivalent to circumspect(us) circumspect + -iōn--ion

Other words from circumspection

  • o·ver·cir·cum·spec·tion, noun

Words Nearby circumspection

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use circumspection in a sentence

  • The utmost circumspection became necessary, and the young preacher had to bear up against much strife and opposition.

    Skipper Worse | Alexander Lange Kielland
  • And then he proceeded with circumspection and dignity to demonstrate the process of decocting that mysterious beverage.

    The Fifth String   | John Philip Sousa
  • To flee was more than I could find courage for; but I registered a vow of unsleeping circumspection.

  • But I suggest that you do so with the utmost circumspection.

    The Status Civilization | Robert Sheckley
  • The ten galleys were ordered to advance rapidly, but with the greatest circumspection.

    Xerxes | Jacob Abbott