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

—The dollar eased slightly after reaching a two-week high Wednesday following cautious signals from the Federal Reserve about cutting interest rates.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A "cautious reaction" is expected in Asia, wrote Lorraine Tan, director of equity research for the region at Morningstar, in a note.

Read more on Barron's

That won’t stop Fed officials from doing their job, but it could add a layer of hesitation to an already cautious group.

Read more on Barron's

He gave a cautious onstage interview at a Binance event in Dubai a month later, saying he wanted to stay far from politics and had to respect his plea deal.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Mott and owner Godolphin have been very cautious with this Sovereignty.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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.