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View synonyms for

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: , , , , , ,



cautious

/ ˈɔːʃə /

adjective

  1. showing or having caution; wary; prudent
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈܳپdzܲԱ, noun
  • ˈܳپdzܲ, adverb
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Other Word Forms

  • ·پdzܲ· adverb
  • ·پdzܲ·Ա noun
  • ···پdzܲ adjective
  • hy·per··پdzܲ·Ա noun
  • ···پdzܲ adjective
  • ܱ·ٰ··پdzܲ adjective
  • ul·tra··پdzܲ·Ա noun
  • ܲ··پdzܲ adjective
  • un··پdzܲ·Ա noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of cautious1

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

See careful.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Despite the punishing headwinds, the county balanced its $48-billion recommended budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which officials credit to cautious financial planning.

From

But Pep appears to be very cautious at the moment, and has not been using his out-and-out wingers, Doku or Savinho, very much because he wants to try to control the middle of the pitch.

From

Villa boss Unai Emery has been cautious about discussing Rashford's future at the club.

From

Mr Canavan adds that banks can become more cautious in lending money, which could impact the US economy.

From

Investors will be more cautious about buying buildings if the future of the economy remains uncertain.

From

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More About Cautious

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. 

Where does cautious come from?

The first records of cautious come from around 1630. It is an adjective formed from the noun caution, meaning “alertness and prudence,” and the suffix -ous, which forms adjectives that have a sense of “possessing, full of.” Cautious most often refers to someone who shows or is motivated by caution.

Cautious is a pretty common word because life often throws unexpected hazards at us. You can use cautious when you have a specific reason to be wary or to expect that something bad might happen. People are cautious of outright dangerous things, such as wild animals or open flames, as well as risky situations, such as investing their money.

Did you know … ?

are some other forms related to cautious?

  • cautiously (adverb)
  • cautiousness (noun)
  • hypercautious (adjective)
  • hypercautiously (adverb)

are some synonyms for cautious?

are some words that share a root or word element with cautious?

are some words that often get used in discussing cautious?

How is cautious used in real life?

Cautious is a common word that people use when they have misgivings or fear about possible danger.

Try using cautious!

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of cautious?

A. careful
B. unconcerned
C. wary
D. vigilant

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caution moneycautiously