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

Other Word Forms

• circumspectly adverb
• circumspectness noun
• noncircumspect adjective
• noncircumspectness noun
• overcircumspect adjective
• uncircumspect adjective
• uncircumspectness noun
• circumspective adjective
• circumspection noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumspect¹

C15: from Latin circumspectus, from _circum- + specere to look

Example Sentences

Harbour has also been circumspect about the end of the marriage.

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When asked by The Times about Pelosi and her primary challengers, however, Hogg was circumspect, calling Pelosi “one of the most effective and consequential leaders in the history of the Democratic Party.”

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While Paz said he would welcome foreign investment in mining—which would be a break from government policy for nearly two decades—he has been more circumspect about Bolivia’s lithium industry.

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“Mr. Scorsese”: The revered filmmaker loves to talk about movies but tends to be circumspect about his personal life, which is why Rebecca Miller’s five-part documentary about Martin Scorsese is so revelatory.

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The Commodity Futures Trading Commission was more circumspect, concluding in 2014 that high-frequency trades didn’t cause the flash crash, but “contributed to it by demanding immediacy ahead of other market participants.”

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Related Words

• cagey 
• careful 
• considerate 
• discriminating 
• judicious 
• meticulous 
• prudent 
• scrupulous 
• vigilant 
• wary