adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of circumspect
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin circumspectus (past participle of circumspicere “to look around”), equivalent to circum- “around, about” ( see circum-) + spec(ere) “to look” + -tus past participle suffix
Explanation
If you are circumspect, you think carefully before doing or saying anything. A good quality in someone entrusted with responsibility, though sometimes boring in a friend. The word circumspect was borrowed from Latin circumspectus, from circumspicere, "to be cautious." The basic meaning of Latin circumspicere is "to look around." Near synonyms are prudent and cautious, though circumspect implies a careful consideration of all circumstances and a desire to avoid mistakes and bad consequences.
Vocabulary lists containing circumspect
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Grade 11, List 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Circumspect Adam, that big lug, plays second fiddle, gazing listlessly but expectantly at his companion — not unlike we are.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 18, 2024
Circumspect, Flynn said, “I don’t know what Turkey expects. I don’t know what Russia expects.”
From The New Yorker • Feb. 18, 2017
DoubleX Gabfest: The Circumspect Circumference Edition Listen to ’s show about prenatal depression, hot Olympic bodies, and cosmetic surgery for teenage girls.
From Slate • Aug. 9, 2012
Circumspect and reserved Every man should be, And wary in trusting friends; Of the words That a man says to another He often pays the penalty.
From The Ward of King Canute; a romance of the Danish conquest by Liljencrantz, Ottilie A. (Ottilia Adelina)
Circumspect, sėr′kum-spekt, adj. looking round on all sides watchfully: cautious: prudent.—n.
From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
