Ultracautious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ultracautious

[ˌʌltrəˈkɔːʃəs ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in describing someone's behavior

Extremely cautious and careful, to the point of being overly so. This person takes every possible precaution to avoid any risks or dangers.

Synonyms

extremely cautious, hypercautious, overly careful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ultracautious	Refer to the same definition as before. It emphasizes an extreme degree of caution. Given the uncertain market conditions, investors are ultracautious about where to put their money
extremely cautious	Use to describe someone or something that takes a high level of care and precaution, emphasizing the extent but without suggesting it is overdone. She was extremely cautious while crossing the busy street, looking both ways several times
overly careful	Use to describe a person or action that is cautious to the degree of being unnecessarily meticulous or overly attentive to detail. This can sometimes carry a negative connotation. Her overly careful nature made the simple task take much longer than usual, frustrating her colleagues
hypercautious	Use when indicating a level of caution that is excessively high, often to the point of being counterproductive or overly anxious. He became hypercautious after the accident, reluctant to drive at night

Examples of usage

He is ultracautious when it comes to making decisions.
She is ultracautious about sharing personal information online.
The ultracautious approach may sometimes hinder progress.
Being ultracautious can sometimes lead to missed opportunities.
It's important to find a balance between being cautious and being ultracautious.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

High levels of caution can sometimes stem from anxiety about potential negative outcomes.
Being ultracautious helps individuals avoid harm, but may also prevent taking necessary risks for growth.
Research indicates that overly cautious behavior can limit social experiences, which are vital for personal development.

Pop Culture

In films, characters labeled as ultracautious often represent the 'safety-first' mindset, making them comedic foils to adventurous counterparts.
Fictional detectives may display ultracautious traits, leaving no stone unturned in their investigations.
Social media influencers sometimes promote ultracautious behavior by highlighting safety tips and conservative approaches to various activities.

Historical Context

During economic downturns, businesses often adopt ultracautious strategies to protect their investments and jobs.
In warfare, leaders exhibiting ultracautious tactics may avoid engagements until they're overwhelmingly prepared.
Historical explorers often had ultracautious approaches, anticipating natural dangers and preparing accordingly to ensure survival.

Education

Teachers may adopt ultracautious methods in their classrooms, anticipating potential disruptions and planning accordingly.
Students who prefer an ultracautious approach often excel in detail-oriented tasks but may struggle with creative risk-taking.
Educational systems sometimes encourage ultracautious behavior to instill responsibility, especially regarding safety and ethics.

Origin of 'ultracautious'

Main points about word origin

The prefix 'ultra-' comes from Latin, meaning 'beyond' or 'excessive,' suggesting a greater degree.
The word 'cautious' originates from the Latin 'cautious', meaning 'careful', reflecting a concern for safety.
The blending of these two components has created a term emphasizing an exceptional level of carefulness.

The word 'ultracautious' is a combination of the prefix 'ultra-' meaning 'beyond' or 'extremely' and the adjective 'cautious.' It originated in the early 20th century as a way to emphasize someone's exceptional level of caution. The term reflects a heightened sense of awareness and risk-aversion in situations where potential dangers are perceived. Being ultracautious can be both a strength and a limitation, depending on the context and the individual's ability to find a balance between prudence and excessive worry.