cautious

[ kaw-shuhs ]

adjective

1. showing, using, or characterized by alertness and prudence in a hazardous or uncertain situation; careful or wary:

   Be cautious about clicking on links, as they can often introduce harmful viruses to your computer.

   He offered a measured and cautious interpretation of the study’s results.

   Synonyms: vigilant, watchful, circumspect, chary, wary, guarded, prudent

cautious

/ ˈkɔːʃəs /

adjective

1. showing or having caution; wary; prudent

Derived Forms

• ˈcautiously, adverb
• ˈcautiousness, noun

Other Words From

• cau·tious·ly adverb
• cau·tious·ness noun
• hy·per·cau·tious adjective
• hy·per·cau·tious·ness noun
• su·per·cau·tious adjective
• ul·tra·cau·tious adjective
• ul·tra·cau·tious·ness noun
• un·cau·tious adjective
• un·cau·tious·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cautious¹

First recorded in 1630–40; cauti(on) + -ous

Synonym Study

See careful.

Example Sentences

But of course, many middle aged and older Afghans have more than enough experience of violence and disorder to be cautious.

From The Daily Beast

While Downton may be prepared to soldier on with an Isis in the family, other organisations have been more cautious.

From The Daily Beast

There is cautious optimism that this prompt action may have helped avert a broader outbreak.

From The Daily Beast

The only time when Lennox seems a bit cautious is when I ask her about Gaza.

From The Daily Beast

It makes you more cautious and more aware of asking that question of where they were and if they have traveled or not.

From The Daily Beast

But at that insult Garnache's brain seemed to take fire, and his cautious resolutions were reduced to ashes by the conflagration.

From Project Gutenberg

The school was studying louder than ever, and our voices could not have gone beyond the platform; but my friend was cautious.

From Project Gutenberg

Kip Burland took a few more cautious steps in the direction of the figure in white.

From Project Gutenberg

Lamb kept at a cautious distance as they moved several blocks up Broadway.

From Project Gutenberg

After that Pike was a little more cautious, and kept aloof for a time; but Val knew that he was still watched on occasion.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• circumspect
• discreet
• judicious
• leery
• prudent
• tentative
• vigilant
• wary
• watchful