cautiously

American  

[kaw-shuhs-lee] / ˈkɔ ʃəs li /

adverb

1. in a way that shows alertness and prudence in a hazardous or uncertain situation; carefully; warily.

   He stepped cautiously onto the loose planks.

   I am cautiously optimistic that both parties will accept the compromise.

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Other Word Forms

• hypercautiously adverb
• ultracautiously adverb
• uncautiously adverb

Etymology

Origin of cautiously

First recorded in 1610–20; cautious ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

He was "cautiously optimistic" over the Supreme Court ruling.

From Barron's

Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan said she is “cautiously optimistic” on interest rates and acknowledged there may be more uncertainty facing businesses-including the Supreme Court tariff ruling Friday.

From The Wall Street Journal

But businesses across the US cautiously celebrated the decision on Friday, saying they hoped that refunds would come swiftly.

From BBC

The game began like a heavyweight title fight, with both teams cautiously probing the other for weaknesses.

From Los Angeles Times

One that doubts those gains will persist will move more cautiously.

From Barron's

Related Words

• carefully
• slowly