cautious

[kaw-shuhs]

adjective

1. showing, using, or characterized by alertness and prudence in a hazardous or uncertain situation; careful or wary.

   Be cautious about clicking on links, as they can often introduce harmful viruses to your computer.

   He offered a measured and cautious interpretation of the study’s results.

   Synonyms: vigilant, watchful, circumspect, chary, wary, guarded, prudent

cautious

/ ˈkɔːʃəs /

adjective

1. showing or having caution; wary; prudent

Other Word Forms

• cautiousness noun
• cautiously adverb
• hypercautious adjective
• hypercautiousness noun
• supercautious adjective
• ultracautious adjective
• ultracautiousness noun
• uncautious adjective
• uncautiousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cautious¹

First recorded in 1630–40; cauti(on) + -ous

Synonym Study

See careful.

Example Sentences

Earlier this year, BBC Sport looked at the various formations, playing styles and tactics Tuchel might adopt, ranging from the fast and furious to the more cautious and pragmatic.

From BBC

But his other public comments have been cautious.

From Salon

It was ominous, however, that Arteta took a cautious approach on Sunday against a Liverpool team who had looked vulnerable during previous wins.

From BBC

They found the elevated cardiovascular risk was consistent across socioeconomic groups, and strongest among smokers and people with diabetes or existing heart disease - suggesting they should be especially cautious about long-term, narrow eating windows.

From BBC

Rather than taking a cautious approach, it has always aimed to move quickly and when rockets have exploded, the company says it is simply a chance to collect performance data.

From BBC

Related Words

• circumspect 
• discreet 
• judicious 
• leery 
• prudent 
• tentative 
• vigilant 
• wary 
• watchful 

When To Use

What does cautious mean?

Cautious describes using, showing, or characterized by caution, which means a wariness in a dangerous situation, as in Vikram was a cautious man who never jumped straight into things. Cautious is often used to describe the behavior of a person who is concerned about impending danger or possible misfortune. If you are cautious, you are showing care or hesitation before taking an action.Cautious is also used in warnings, as in You should be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. The adverb form of cautious is cautiously, as in Shontel cautiously approached the rickety bridge. The noun form of cautious is cautiousness, as in They reacted with cautiousness to the suspicious man’s generosity. Example: It is a good idea to be cautious when signing contracts and consider your options first.