Cautious: meaning, definitions and examples

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cautious

[ˈkɔːʃəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

be cautious

showing care and forethought, especially in avoiding danger or risk

Synonyms

careful, circumspect, prudent, wary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cautious	Appropriate for situations where one is avoiding potential danger or taking steps to prevent harm or mistakes. Often used in a broad range of contexts, from physical actions to decision-making. He was cautious while crossing the busy street The company adopted a cautious approach to the new market
careful	Used when someone is paying close attention to detail in order to avoid mistakes or accidents. It's more about being meticulous and thorough in a task. She was very careful when painting the delicate patterns on the vase He always checks his work carefully before submission
prudent	Related to making sensible and wise decisions, especially in financial or practical matters. It suggests careful planning for the future. It is prudent to save money for unexpected expenses His prudent advice helped them navigate the complex legal issues
wary	Used when someone is feeling cautious and suspicious about potential problems or danger. Typically involves instincts and emotions more than careful analysis. She was wary of strangers offering help They were wary about investing in the unfamiliar industry
circumspect	Often used in formal or serious conditions where one is considering all potential risks and outcomes before making a decision. It implies being watchful and discreet. They were circumspect about their investments after the stock market crash Her circumspect manner in negotiations ensured success

Examples of usage

It's important to be cautious when crossing the street.
She was cautious with her investments, always researching thoroughly before making a decision.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

exercise caution

care taken to avoid danger or mistakes

Synonyms

prudence, vigilance, wariness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cautious	Describing someone who is careful to avoid potential problems or dangers. She was very cautious about investing her money The cautious driver always checks the mirrors
prudence	Refers to the quality of being wise and judicious in practical affairs, often associated with thoughtful risk management. Investing with prudence is crucial for financial stability Her prudence saved the company from a bad deal
vigilance	Describes a state of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties, often used in contexts of security or safety. Constant vigilance is necessary to prevent cyber attacks The guard's vigilance helped to catch the intruder
wariness	Implies a sense of caution and suspicion, often when there is uncertainty or distrust of a person or situation. There was a sense of wariness in their approach to the negotiation His wariness of strangers prevented him from being easily deceived

Examples of usage

He proceeded with caution, aware of the potential risks.
It's always wise to exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar situations.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Latin word 'cautious', meaning 'careful' or 'prudent'.
The root of the word can be linked to 'caveat', which means 'beware' in Latin.
The word has evolved since the 17th century, reflecting changing attitudes towards safety and risk.

Psychology

People who are cautious often use their past experiences to guide their current decisions, aiming to avoid negative outcomes.
Risk assessment plays a significant role in cautious behavior, where individuals evaluate potential dangers before acting.
Studies show that caution can be linked to personality traits such as conscientiousness and neuroticism.

Pop Culture

Cautious characters often appear in stories as the wise advisors or the ones who urge others to think things through.
In movies, a cautious hero might hesitate to act recklessly, emphasizing the theme of thoughtful decision-making.
Music and literature frequently address caution as a necessary virtue in navigating challenges.

Everyday Use

Cautious driving is a major campaign focus in road safety discussions, encouraging people to be aware and alert.
In finance, being cautious with investments can lead to stability and long-term growth instead of risky gambles.
Many parents teach children to be cautious about strangers, reinforcing safety from a young age.

Culture

Different cultures have varying attitudes towards caution; some may embrace risk-taking while others prioritize safety.
Caution often reflects values of responsibility and care within various communities, impacting social behaviors.
Cultural sayings, like 'look before you leap', highlight the importance of being cautious in decision-making across societies.

Translations

Translations of the word "cautious" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cauteloso

🇮🇳 सावधान (savdhaan)

🇩🇪 vorsichtig

🇮🇩 berhati-hati

🇺🇦 обережний

🇵🇱 ostrożny

🇯🇵 用心深い (yōjinbukai)

🇫🇷 prudent

🇪🇸 cauteloso

🇹🇷 dikkatli

🇰🇷 조심스러운 (josimseureoun)

🇸🇦 حذر (hadhar)

🇨🇿 opatrný

🇸🇰 opatrný

🇨🇳 小心谨慎的 (xiǎoxīn jǐnshèn de)

🇸🇮 previden

🇮🇸 varkár

🇰🇿 сақ

🇬🇪 ფრთხილი (prtkhili)

🇦🇿 ehtiyatlı

🇲🇽 cauteloso

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,484 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
7481 awaiting
7482 reactive
7483 compass
7484 cautious
7485 freeze
7486 climatic
7487 diffraction
...