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circumspective

American  
[sur-kuhm-spek-tiv] / ˌsɜr kəmˈspɛk tɪv /

adjective

  1. given to or marked by circumspection; watchful; cautious.

    His behavior was circumspective.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of circumspective

First recorded in 1625–35; circumspect + -ive

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.

The one appeared to be in a sound sleep, and the other keeping the most circumspective vigils.

From The First White Man of the West Life and Exploits of Col. Dan'l. Boone, the First Settler of Kentucky; Interspersed with Incidents in the Early Annals of the Country. by Flint, Timothy

No less alike the politic and wise; All sly slow things, with circumspective eyes: Men in their loose unguarded hours they take, Not that themselves are wise, but others weak.

From The Poetical Works of Alexander Pope, Volume 1 by Gilfillan, George

No less alike the politic and wise; All sly slow things, with circumspective eyes; Men in their loose unguarded hours they take, Not that themselves are wise, but others weak.

From An Essay on Man by Morley, Henry

To his searching eye and circumspective wariness, the general basis of tradition which might satisfy a Pusey, though sufficiently broad, did not appear sure enough.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine — Volume 54, No. 335, September 1843 by Various

While he is retrospective and circumspective he is also prospective—he is a man of the far-look-ahead type.

From Rural Life and the Rural School by Kennedy, Joseph