Synonyms

cautiously

American

[kaw-shuhs-lee] / ˈkɔ ʃəs li /

adverb

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.

Other Word Forms

hypercautiously adverb
ultracautiously adverb
uncautiously adverb

Etymology

Origin of cautiously

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

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.

He opened the door cautiously and looked around.

From Literature

Formula 1 drivers gave a cautiously positive reaction to this year's new cars at the end of the first day of pre-season testing in Spain on Monday.

From BBC

Davis said the firm was "cautiously optimistic" part of the line would be able to reopen to run a limited service but he warned of significant disruption.

From BBC

Torres stressed that his team acted cautiously in the decision to authorize the school for occupancy, and that promising preliminary testing helped school administrators plan ahead.

From Los Angeles Times

Story said he was "cautiously optimistic" but "very hopeful" he would hear from Streeting in the next few days.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023