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

Example Sentences

His quiet tone is not shyness or false modesty but circumspection and a sense of boundaries that imply respect and love for real communication.

From Los Angeles Times

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

One reason for circumspection is that the international rankings are notoriously squishy.

From Los Angeles Times

The company hasn’t exactly reported its work with anything resembling scientific circumspection.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC