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

Derived Forms

• ˈcircumˌspectly, adverb
• ˌcircumˈspective, adjective
• ˌcircumˈspection, noun

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

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

For his part, Boulos has been circumspect about what role he will play.

From Los Angeles Times

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.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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