cautiously

American  

[kaw-shuhs-lee] / ˈkɔ ʃəs li /

adverb

1. in a way that shows alertness and prudence in a hazardous or uncertain situation; carefully; warily.

   He stepped cautiously onto the loose planks.

   I am cautiously optimistic that both parties will accept the compromise.

---

Other Word Forms

• hypercautiously adverb
• ultracautiously adverb
• uncautiously adverb

Etymology

Origin of cautiously

First recorded in 1610–20; cautious ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

Players are demanding greater rewards from the Grand Slams based on their pulling power, and reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys is "cautiously optimistic" about change coming.

From BBC

Gayle King, gripping the train of her beaded dress, walked cautiously in her heels.

From Los Angeles Times

The company is cautiously optimistic that due to the evolving situation in Venezuela it might obtain the license—or that sanctions will be relaxed, people close to LNG Energy said.

From The Wall Street Journal

So despite dire projections of memory shortages for other types of electronics, producers like Micron, Sandisk, Seagate and Western will proceed cautiously in adding new production capacity.

From The Wall Street Journal

Overall, UOB maintains its cautiously negative outlook for Brent crude oil prices, they say.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• carefully
• slowly