Dictionary
cautious
adjective cau·tious \ˈkȯ-shəs\
: careful about avoiding danger or risk
Full Definition of CAUTIOUS
: marked by or given to caution <cautious investors> <cautious optimism>
— cau·tious·ly adverb
— cau·tious·ness noun
See cautious defined for English-language learners
See cautious defined for kids
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First Known Use of CAUTIOUS
1614
Related to CAUTIOUS
- Synonyms
- alert, careful, chary, circumspect, conservative, considerate, gingerly, guarded, heedful, safe, wary
Synonym Discussion of CAUTIOUS
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 CAUTIOUS
CAUTIOUS Defined for Kids
cautious
adjective cau·tious \ˈkȯ-shəs\
Definition of CAUTIOUS for Kids
: showing or using care to avoid trouble or danger
— cau·tious·ly adverb
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