circumspection
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of circumspection
1350–1400; Middle English < Latin circumspectiōn- (stem of circumspectiō ), equivalent to circumspect ( us ) circumspect + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
Circumspection is the quality of being cautious and prudent. If you don't immediately get excited about a party invitation, instead taking some time to consider whether you want to go, that's your circumspection in action. Circumspection is generally a good characteristic, keeping people from making bad decisions. Your friend's circumspection makes her a great source of advice, someone you can trust to provide a considered opinion after a lot of thought. But circumspection can also slow you down if it means you're always scared of making a mistake. This word is rooted in the Latin circumspicere, "to look around."
Vocabulary lists containing circumspection
Pride and Prejudice
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Society and Solitude
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As I Lay Dying
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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.
Circumspection, critical thinking, understanding nuance and diplomacy will.
From Washington Post • Dec. 3, 2015
Circumspection is the motto, coupled with a standing policy�among members of the British Antique Dealers Association�to refund the price of any fake.
From Time Magazine Archive
Circumspection, prudence, until they should be once beyond the Spanish border!
From The Torrent Entre Naranjos by Goldberg, Isaac
Circumspection and devotion are a contradiction in terms.
From The Hand of Ethelberta by Hardy, Thomas
People should speak with a great deal of Modesty and Circumspection of such great Men, for it may happen, as it very often does, that they condemn what they do not understand.
From An Essay on Criticism by Oldmixon, John
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.
