First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
circumspect
adjective cir·cum·spect \ˈsər-kəm-ˌspekt\
: thinking carefully about possible risks before doing or saying something
Full Definition of CIRCUMSPECT
: careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences : prudent <diplomacy required a circumspect response>
— cir·cum·spec·tion \ˌsər-kəm-ˈspek-shən\ noun
— cir·cum·spect·ly \ˈsər-kəm-ˌspek(t)-lē\ adverb
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Origin of CIRCUMSPECT
Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French circonspect, from Latin circumspectus, from past participle of circumspicere to look around, be cautious, from circum- + specere to look — more at spy
Related to CIRCUMSPECT
Synonym Discussion of CIRCUMSPECT
cautious, circumspect, wary, chary mean prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk. cautious implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger <a cautious driver>. circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding <circumspect in his business dealings>. wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it <keeps a wary eye on the competition>. chary implies a cautious reluctance to give, act, or speak freely <chary of signing papers without having read them first>.
Rhymes with CIRCUMSPECT
acrolect, architect, birth defect, deselect, dialect, disaffect, disconnect, disinfect, disrespect, edge effect, genuflect, grapholect, incorrect, indirect, in effect, intellect, interject, intersect, introject, introspect, lake effect, misdirect, preselect, re-collect, recollect, redirect, reelect, resurrect, retrospect, self-respect, side effect, turtlenecked, vivisect
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