adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of circumspect
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin circumspectus (past participle of circumspicere “to look around”), equivalent to circum- “around, about” ( see circum-) + spec(ere) “to look” + -tus past participle suffix
Explanation
If you are circumspect, you think carefully before doing or saying anything. A good quality in someone entrusted with responsibility, though sometimes boring in a friend. The word circumspect was borrowed from Latin circumspectus, from circumspicere, "to be cautious." The basic meaning of Latin circumspicere is "to look around." Near synonyms are prudent and cautious, though circumspect implies a careful consideration of all circumstances and a desire to avoid mistakes and bad consequences.
Vocabulary lists containing circumspect
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Grade 11, List 2
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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.
"We are still being very circumspect," the Pakistan source told the BBC, saying that there was a "continued fragility" to the situation.
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026
On the streets of Beijing this week, locals were circumspect about a visit from the US president.
From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026
But they are more circumspect about those other requests, while saying they want to press on "at pace" in removing Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession.
From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026
“Earnings revisions are set to keep the investor debate on a circumspect footing.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026
He became more circumspect in his work as a result of the visit from the second C.I.D. man.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
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.
