cautiously

[ kaw-shuhs-lee ]

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 Words From

• hy·per·cau·tious·ly adverb
• ul·tra·cau·tious·ly adverb
• un·cau·tious·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of cautiously¹

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

Example Sentences

"We could go on and win this, you know," one man cautiously confided to the table.

From BBC

"One of the most exciting discoveries in this research is that it is actually possible to nearly end plastic pollution with this Treaty. I'm cautiously optimistic, but we can't squander this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

From Science Daily

Still, many are cautiously warning not to overly interpret the data to suggest that the country is in any way out of the woods with the overdose crisis.

From Salon

Erin said her friends support the proposed changes and she hopes the tragic circumstances of her brother’s death will make people drive more cautiously.

From BBC

These drugs have passed the clinical trials needed to be approved for use in the UK and have been cautiously welcomed by those working to tackle obesity.

From BBC

Related Words

• carefully
• slowly