adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of circumspect
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin circumspectus (past participle of circumspicere “to look around”), equivalent to circum- “around, about” ( see circum-) + spec(ere) “to look” + -tus past participle suffix
Explanation
If you are circumspect, you think carefully before doing or saying anything. A good quality in someone entrusted with responsibility, though sometimes boring in a friend. The word circumspect was borrowed from Latin circumspectus, from circumspicere, "to be cautious." The basic meaning of Latin circumspicere is "to look around." Near synonyms are prudent and cautious, though circumspect implies a careful consideration of all circumstances and a desire to avoid mistakes and bad consequences.
Vocabulary lists containing circumspect
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Grade 11, List 2
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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.
"We are still being very circumspect," the Pakistan source told the BBC, saying that there was a "continued fragility" to the situation.
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026
On the streets of Beijing this week, locals were circumspect about a visit from the US president.
From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026
The meeting’s agenda for the closed session was circumspect: “Conference with Legal Counsel — Settlement Agreement.”
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 19, 2025
Harbour has also been circumspect about the end of the marriage.
From BBC • Oct. 24, 2025
Officials of state-supported black colleges had to be more circumspect since they depended upon the funding provided by the all-white state legislature.
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
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.
