circumspective

[ sur-kuhm-spek-tiv ]

adjective

1. given to or marked by circumspection; watchful; cautious:

   His behavior was circumspective.

Other Words From

• circum·spective·ly adverb
• uncir·cum·spective adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumspective¹

First recorded in 1625–35; circumspect + -ive

Example Sentences

And thus also it may indicate that from this wider range of remembered facts dream-inferences have been drawn;—which inferences may be retrospective, prospective, or,—if I may use a word of Pope's with a new meaning, circumspective,—that is to say, relating not to the past or to the future, but to the present condition of matters beyond the range of ordinary perception.

From Project Gutenberg

Females with young have ample cause for their circumspective demeanor toward adult males, which are especially inclined to eat the newborn.

From Project Gutenberg

We have studied them somewhat in the circumspective way, and will devote a few pages to our theory about them.

From Project Gutenberg

While he is retrospective and circumspective he is also prospective—he is a man of the far-look-ahead type.

From Project Gutenberg

A brow austere, a circumspective eye.

From Project Gutenberg