circumspect
/ˈsəːkəmspɛkt
/adjective
Wary and unwilling to take risks: the officials were very circumspect in their statements...
- The difference between us is that you write like a bombastic lecturer and not like a prudent and circumspect lawyer.
- On theology they enjoy precedence over politicians; on politics they should be circumspect.
- They were circumspect, typically observing the dog from a distance.
Synonyms
cautious, wary, careful, chary, guarded, on one's guard;
discreet;
watchful, alert, attentive, heedful, vigilant, observant;
prudent, judicious, canny, politic
informal softly-softly, cagey, leery, playing one's cards close to one's chest
Derivatives
circumspectly
/ adverb ...- If you are observant you can get little glimpses into their lives by watching and listening circumspectly.
- He began circumspectly, prodding tentatively at the few balls he faced.
- Let me put it as circumspectly as I can - the government is culpable, and not just for incompetence.
Origin
Late Middle English: from Latin circumspectus, from circumspicere 'look around', from circum 'around, about' + specere 'look'.