circumspect
adjective
Wary and unwilling to take risks; careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences before acting.
Etymology
From Latin "circumspectus," past participle of "circumspicere" (to look around), from "circum" (around) + "specere" (to look). Looking all around before acting.
Examples in Use
- 1.
"A circumspect approach to investing protected her from major losses."
- 2.
"The diplomat's circumspect comments avoided offending either side."
- 3.
"He became more circumspect after the earlier failure."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
The Latin root "specere" (to look) appears in many English words: spectacle, inspect, aspect, prospect. Each involves different ways of looking—circumspect means looking all around, surveying the entire situation.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 11 letters (C, I, R, C, U, M, S, P, E, C, T)
Scrabble Value: 21 points
Tip: Try building from common prefixes or suffixes when you spot these letters.
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