circumspection
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
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."
Vocabulary lists containing circumspection
Pride and Prejudice
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Society and Solitude
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As I Lay Dying
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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.
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
The foundation of Clarke's era has been circumspection.
From BBC ● Oct. 12, 2025
One reason for circumspection is that the international rankings are notoriously squishy.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 30, 2025
Despite Jean-Pierre’s circumspection, the White House hasn’t been entirely silent on the matter.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 2, 2023
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
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.
