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View synonyms for circumspect

circumspect

[ sur-kuhm-spekt ]

adjective

  1. watchful and discreet; cautious; prudent:

    circumspect behavior.

    Synonyms: guarded, vigilant, careful

    Antonyms: indiscreet, careless

  2. well-considered:

    circumspect ambition.



circumspect

/ ˈsɜːkəmˌspɛkt /

adjective

  1. cautious, prudent, or discreet
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈcircumˌspectly, adverb
  • ˌcircumˈspective, adjective
  • ˌcircumˈspection, noun
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Other Words From

  • cir·cum·spect·ly adverb
  • cir·cum·spect·ness noun
  • non·cir·cum·spect adjective
  • non·cir·cum·spect·ness noun
  • o·ver·cir·cum·spect adjective
  • un·cir·cum·spect adjective
  • un·cir·cum·spect·ness noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of circumspect1

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin circumspectus (past participle of circumspicere “to look around”), equivalent to circum- “around, about” ( circum- ) + spec(ere) “to look” + -tus past participle suffix
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Word History and Origins

Origin of circumspect1

C15: from Latin circumspectus, from circum- + specere to look
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Example Sentences

While Trump has been more circumspect, limiting most of his China critiques to the realm of trade, he is filling his foreign policy team with vocal China critics.

From BBC

“Precise and circumspect, with an avuncular demeanor and an authoritative voice .... Summerall indulged his partner’s many appetites and asides, even when that meant being elbowed aside at the mike and in the limelight.”

World leaders swiftly weighed in, from enthusiastic congratulations to more somber and circumspect assurances of continuity in the relationship with Trump.

World leaders swiftly weighed in, ranging from enthusiastic congratulations to more somber and circumspect assurances of continuity in the relationship with Trump, whose mercurial first presidency upended many longstanding diplomatic norms.

Department of Agriculture veterinarian epidemiologist, was a bit more circumspect.

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