Circumspect
/ˈsɜːrkəmˌspɛkt/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Circumspect describes someone who is cautious and thinks carefully before acting. This person tries to avoid risks or mistakes by considering what might happen. It is often used to describe careful behavior in difficult or uncertain situations.
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⚡ See It in Action
Being careful and thoughtful before making decisions or taking action
- •She was circumspect about investing her money in the new company.
- •The manager was circumspect in handling the sensitive situation.
- •He gave a circumspect answer to avoid offending anyone.
Showing caution to avoid danger or problems
- •Drivers should be circumspect when driving in bad weather.
- •The lawyer was circumspect in discussing the case details.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "circumspect" like "careful," but with more thinking and watching before acting.
- ✓Picture a person looking around slowly, checking all sides before crossing a busy street.
- ✓It's the feeling when you don’t want to make a quick mistake, so you pause and think carefully.
- ✓Sounds like "sir-kum-spect" → imagine a "sir" (a polite man) who "inspects" everything before making a decision.
- ✓Imagine a chess player who plans many moves ahead to avoid losing.
- ✓NOT like "careless" (acting without thinking), circumspect means being thoughtful and cautious.
- ✓NOT like "rash" or "hasty" (quick and without care), circumspect is slow and careful.
- ✓NOT like "bold" or "brave" (acting without fear), circumspect avoids unnecessary risks.
- ✓NOT like "hesitant" (unsure), circumspect means sure but careful.
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Cautious: showing care to avoid danger or problems (Use when emphasizing avoiding risk)
- •Prudent: wise and careful in making decisions (Use when focusing on good judgment and planning)
- •Wary: feeling nervous or unsure about possible danger (Use when there is suspicion or doubt)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "circum-" (around) + "spect" (look, see) → literally "look around"
- •Etymology: From Latin "circumspectus," past participle of "circumspectare," meaning to look around carefully
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 15th century to describe careful, watchful behavior
- •Modern usage: Used to describe people or actions that are cautious and thoughtful, especially in risky or uncertain situations
💭 Reflect & Connect
•In what situations is it better to be circumspect rather than quick or bold?
•How can being circumspect help you avoid problems in daily life or work?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.Before signing the contract, she was circumspect and ___ all the terms carefully.
2.A circumspect person will ___ the possible risks before making a decision.
3.Unlike a rash choice, a circumspect decision involves ___ thinking and planning.
4.The politician gave a circumspect answer to avoid ___ controversy.
5.Drivers need to be circumspect ___ bad weather or heavy traffic.
6.Being circumspect means you do not act ___ without knowing the facts.
7.We can infer that someone acting circumspectly wants to ___ mistakes or trouble.