circumspective
Americanadjective
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 Timothy Flint
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
Frame your report with circumspective art: Inflame her crimes, exalt your own obedience; But let no thoughtless hint involve Abdalla.
From Dr. Johnson's Works: Life, Poems, and Tales, Volume 1 The Works of Samuel Johnson, Ll.D., in Nine Volumes by Samuel Johnson
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 Joseph Kennedy
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 George Gilfillan
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.
