circumspection

American  

[sur-kuhm-spek-shuhn] / ˌsɜr kəmˈspɛk ʃən /

noun

1. circumspect observation or action; caution; prudence.

   He approached with circumspection.

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Other Word Forms

• overcircumspection noun

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."

Example Sentences

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

Outside the hospital and into the city centre, there was a mixture of serenity and circumspection.

From BBC • Feb. 2, 2025

While Furiosa is hiding in plain sight in the Citadel, her circumspection protects her, but it also accentuates her existential plight.

From New York Times • May 17, 2024

There’s a startling translucence to her performance, a willingness to let emotions bleed through gently and unforcedly, that matches the unhurried grace and circumspection of the filmmaking.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 20, 2022

In China, Helen had been taught enormous circumspection; the world there was like a skating rink, a finite space, walled.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen