Gloss · Words · Circumspect

circumspect

ˈsɜːrkəmˌspɛktadjective

What does circumspect mean?

Careful about what you do or say, thinking of the risks.

Circumspect, six ways

PlainCareful about what you do or say, thinking of the risks.
ADHDCareful. Looks around first. Says less.
Gen ZPlaying it careful. Checking every angle before you post.
MetaphorA deer at the edge of the field, looking before each step.
FormalWary and unwilling to take risks; prudent.
Like I’m 5Being very careful and looking around before you do something. That’s circumspect.

How to pronounce circumspect

SUR-kum-spekt/ˈsɜːrkəmˌspɛkt/

Circumspect in a sentence

Be circumspect about what you share online.
She was circumspect about naming her sources.
A circumspect approach avoids needless risk.

Synonyms for circumspect

cautiousPlainer and wider.
discreetCareful about what is said, especially secrets.
prudentCareful with an eye on the future.

Where circumspect comes from

Latin. Circumspicere, to look around, from circum, around, and specere, to look.

Good to know

Mostly said of people and what they say: a circumspect answer, circumspect about the details. It suggests tact as well as care.

Circumspect meaning, on a Gloss card: Careful about what you do or say, thinking of the risks.

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