circumspection
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of circumspection
1350–1400; Middle English < Latin circumspectiōn- (stem of circumspectiō ), equivalent to circumspect ( us ) circumspect + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
Circumspection is the quality of being cautious and prudent. If you don't immediately get excited about a party invitation, instead taking some time to consider whether you want to go, that's your circumspection in action. Circumspection is generally a good characteristic, keeping people from making bad decisions. Your friend's circumspection makes her a great source of advice, someone you can trust to provide a considered opinion after a lot of thought. But circumspection can also slow you down if it means you're always scared of making a mistake. This word is rooted in the Latin circumspicere, "to look around."
Vocabulary lists containing circumspection
Pride and Prejudice
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Society and Solitude
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As I Lay Dying
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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.
A model of old-fashioned circumspection Wednesday was border czar Tom Homan, who said he wouldn’t “prejudge” split-second events based on early video clips.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 8, 2026
The company hasn’t exactly reported its work with anything resembling scientific circumspection.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 24, 2025
Outside the hospital and into the city centre, there was a mixture of serenity and circumspection.
From BBC ● Feb. 2, 2025
He regarded the dawning age of mass consumption and self-fascination with considerable circumspection.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 13, 2023
As Ignatius was about to discuss the circumspection of his behavior at Levy Pants, the telephone rang.
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
