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Circumspection: meaning, definitions and examples

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circumspection

 

[ˌsɜːr.kəmˈspɛk.ʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in decision making

The quality of being cautious and taking everything into consideration before making a decision.

Synonyms

carefulness, caution, prudence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
circumspection

Circumspection is suitable when emphasizing careful consideration and evaluation before making a decision, often in complex or sensitive situations.

  • His circumspection in business deals helped avoid potential pitfalls.
  • The committee approached the controversial issue with circumspection.
caution

Caution is used when there is potential danger or risk, and one needs to be wary or take preventative measures.

  • You should exercise caution when walking on dark streets at night.
  • Financial advisors urged caution in the volatile market.
prudence

Prudence refers to wise and sensible decision-making, especially when considering long-term outcomes and avoiding unnecessary risks.

  • Investing with prudence can ensure stable, long-term returns.
  • The judge commended her prudence in handling the case.
carefulness

Carefulness is appropriate for general scenarios that require attention to detail and avoiding mistakes or accidents.

  • She showed carefulness when handling the delicate glassware.
  • Driving in the snow demands increased carefulness.

Examples of usage

  • He always approached important decisions with circumspection.
  • Her circumspection prevented her from making hasty choices.
Context #2 | Noun

in behavior

The act of thinking carefully about possible risks and consequences before acting.

Synonyms

deliberation, forethought, wariness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
circumspection

When you want to emphasize being careful and considering all possible risks before acting.

  • She handled the negotiations with great circumspection to avoid any mistakes
deliberation

When you refer to careful thought or discussion before making a decision.

  • After much deliberation, the jury reached a verdict
forethought

When you talk about thinking ahead and anticipating future needs or problems.

  • His forethought in bringing extra supplies saved the day
wariness

When you describe cautiousness and being on guard, often because of potential dangers or uncertainties.

  • Her wariness around strangers was evident after the incident

Examples of usage

  • His circumspection in handling delicate situations earned him respect.
  • The CEO's circumspection in negotiations led to a successful deal.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'circumspectus', meaning 'looking around'.
  • It is made up of two parts: 'circum', meaning 'around', and 'specere', meaning 'to look'.
  • The term has been used in English since the 15th century, reflecting the importance of careful consideration.

Psychology

  • Circumspection is linked to decision-making processes that involve weighing potential outcomes and avoiding impulsive actions.
  • Researchers suggest that individuals who exhibit high circumspection tend to have lower levels of anxiety, as they feel more prepared for various situations.
  • This quality is often trained in environments where risk assessment is crucial, such as in aviation or medical professions.

Literature

  • In literary works, characters displaying circumspection often emerge as wise and prudent, leading to their success.
  • William Shakespeare’s characters often show circumspection, highlighting themes of caution and forethought in their decisions.
  • The concept reflects the human ability to navigate complex moral dilemmas, often central to the plot development.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often feature characters who showcase circumspection, portraying them as strategic thinkers, such as detective characters who must carefully piece together clues.
  • In modern society, circumspection is emphasized in social media communications, where people are advised to think before posting.
  • Reality TV shows sometimes reveal the lack of circumspection in participants, leading to dramatic consequences.

Education

  • Educational systems are increasingly focusing on teaching students to be circumspect decision-makers, especially in group projects.
  • Workshops on critical thinking often incorporate exercises aimed at enhancing circumspection among participants.
  • In higher education, circumspection is particularly crucial in research ethics, where scholars must evaluate the broader impact of their findings.

Translations

Translations of the word "circumspection" in other languages:

🇵🇹 circunspecção

🇮🇳 सावधानी

🇩🇪 Umsicht

🇮🇩 kehati-hatian

🇺🇦 обережність

🇵🇱 ostrożność

🇯🇵 慎重

🇫🇷 circonspection

🇪🇸 circunspección

🇹🇷 ihtiyat

🇰🇷 신중함

🇸🇦 تحفظ

🇨🇿 obezřetnost

🇸🇰 obozretnosť

🇨🇳 谨慎

🇸🇮 previdnost

🇮🇸 varúð

🇰🇿 сақтық

🇬🇪 ფრთხილობა

🇦🇿 ehtiyat

🇲🇽 circunspección

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,768, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.