circumspect

/ˈsər-kəm-ˌspekt/

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French circonspect, from Latin circumspectus, from past participle of circumspicere to look around, be cautious, from circum- + specere to look

adjective

  1. careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences : prudent

diplomacy required a circumspect response

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. circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding.