Circumspect
Careful to consider all potential consequences and circumstances before acting; wary and prudent.
adjectiveCircumspect
Careful to consider all potential consequences and circumstances before acting; wary and prudent.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine a detective approaching a crime scene. He walks in a slow, circular sweep around the area, examining every corner and weighing risks before deciding what to do next.
Sounds Like
SUR-kuhm-SPEKT
Looks Like
circum + spect (around + look)
Remember This
Originates from Latin circumspectus, from circum 'around' + specere 'to look'. Related words include inspect, spectator, and circumspection.
Other Forms
Note
Use circumspect to describe cautious, well-considered behavior. It is often followed by about or in: be circumspect about sharing information; act circumspectly. Distinguish from similar terms like circumstantial or circumscribe.