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

Other Word Forms

• cautiously adverb
• cautiousness noun
• hypercautious adjective
• hypercautiousness noun
• supercautious adjective
• ultracautious adjective
• ultracautiousness noun
• uncautious adjective
• uncautiousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cautious¹

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

Synonym Study

See careful.

Example Sentences

Dovish but cautious, Miran makes a case for cuts, but not without clarity.

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I’m cautious, and that makes me feel judgmental.

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At a global level, cautious optimism persists with modest equity gains expected at the local, international and U.S. levels.

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This is likely to keep policymakers cautious about cutting interest rates again at coming meetings.

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Despite his apparent willingness to modulate his stance based on new information, he remains cautious about declaring either a labor-market slump or victory over inflation.

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Related Words

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

When To Use

What does cautious mean?

Cautious describes using, showing, or characterized by caution, which means a wariness in a dangerous situation, as in Vikram was a cautious man who never jumped straight into things. Cautious is often used to describe the behavior of a person who is concerned about impending danger or possible misfortune. If you are cautious, you are showing care or hesitation before taking an action.Cautious is also used in warnings, as in You should be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. The adverb form of cautious is cautiously, as in Shontel cautiously approached the rickety bridge. The noun form of cautious is cautiousness, as in They reacted with cautiousness to the suspicious man’s generosity. Example: It is a good idea to be cautious when signing contracts and consider your options first.