cautious

[ kaw-shuhs ]

adjective

1. showing, using, or characterized by alertness and prudence in a hazardous or uncertain situation; careful or wary:

   Be cautious about clicking on links, as they can often introduce harmful viruses to your computer.

   He offered a measured and cautious interpretation of the study’s results.

   Synonyms: vigilant, watchful, circumspect, chary, wary, guarded, prudent

cautious

/ ˈkɔːʃəs /

adjective

1. showing or having caution; wary; prudent

Derived Forms

• ˈcautiousness, noun
• ˈcautiously, adverb

Other Words From

• cau·tious·ly adverb
• cau·tious·ness noun
• hy·per·cau·tious adjective
• hy·per·cau·tious·ness noun
• su·per·cau·tious adjective
• ul·tra·cau·tious adjective
• ul·tra·cau·tious·ness noun
• un·cau·tious adjective
• un·cau·tious·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cautious¹

First recorded in 1630–40; cauti(on) + -ous

Synonym Study

See careful.

Example Sentences

“But obviously, companies and people with resources are willing to file frivolous lawsuits regardless. That is a risk I take on, with hopes that being cautious and being very careful about fact-checking will at least stave off the worst.”

From Los Angeles Times

Guilan Siassi, whose daughter is applying to a couple of programs for the upcoming school year, viewed the district’s decision as a cautious win in a potentially longer battle to maintain the integrity of the district’s most rigorous programs.

From Los Angeles Times

Even New Zealand, which according to Prof Barsby “has historically taken a more cautious regulatory approach to genetic technologies”, has announced that it will also introduce new legislation.

From BBC

She says she's cautious about rejection therapy.

From BBC

Senior party members acknowledged their tactics had been too cautious and could have won more seats if they had run more candidates.

From BBC

Related Words

• circumspect
• discreet
• judicious
• leery
• prudent
• tentative
• vigilant
• wary
• watchful