cautious

cautious
[[t]kɔ͟ːʃəs[/t]]
♦♦♦
1) ADJ-GRADED: oft ADJ about n/-ing Someone who is cautious acts very carefully in order to avoid possible danger.

The scientists are cautious about using enzyme therapy on humans...

He is a very cautious man.

Syn:
Ant:
Derived words:
cautiously ADV-GRADED usu ADV with v, also ADV adj

David moved cautiously forward and looked over the edge...

Cautiously, he moved himself into an upright position.

2) ADJ-GRADED If you describe someone's attitude or reaction as cautious, you mean that it is limited or careful. [mainly JOURNALISM]

He has been seen as a champion of a more cautious approach to economic reform.

Syn:
Ant:
rash, foolhardy
Derived words:
cautiously ADV-GRADED usu ADV adj, also ADV with v

I am cautiously optimistic that a new government will be concerned and aware about the environment...

Rebel sources have so far reacted cautiously to the threat.


English dictionary. 2008.

Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную?
Synonyms:

Look at other dictionaries:

  • cautious — cau‧tious [ˈkɔːʆəs ǁ ˈkɒː ] adjective if buyers or investors are cautious, they are unwilling to buy because they feel uncertain about the future: • Seoul investors turned cautious about the market s rapid rises last week, and share prices ended… …   Financial and business terms

  • Cautious — Cau tious, a. [Cf. L. cautus, fr. caver. See {Caution}.] Attentive to examine probable effects and consequences of acts with a view to avoid danger or misfortune; prudent; circumspect; wary; watchful; as, a cautious general. [1913 Webster]… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • cautious — cautious, circumspect, wary, chary, calculating are comparable when meaning prudently attentive to the dangers one may encounter or the risks one may face, or revealing such attendveness. The same differences in implications and connotations are… …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • cautious — index careful, circumspect, deliberate, diffident, discreet, frugal, guarded, hesitant, judicious …   Law dictionary

  • cautious — mid 17c., from CAUTION (Cf. caution) + OUS (Cf. ous). The Latin word for this was cautus careful, heedful. Related: Cautiously …   Etymology dictionary

  • cautious — [adj] careful, guarded alert, all ears*, cagey, calculating, chary, circumspect, considerate, discreet, forethoughtful, gingerly, hedging one’s bets*, heedful, judicious, keeping on one’s toes*, leery, on the lookout*, playing it cool*, playing… …   New thesaurus

  • cautious — ► ADJECTIVE ▪ careful to avoid potential problems or dangers. DERIVATIVES cautiously adverb cautiousness noun …   English terms dictionary

  • cautious — [kô′shəs] adj. full of caution; careful to avoid danger; circumspect; wary SYN. CAREFUL cautiously adv. cautiousness n …   English World dictionary

  • cautious — adj. 1) cautious about, of (he was cautious about committing himself; she was cautious of strangers) 2) cautious in (cautious in using firearms) 3) cautious with (be cautious with them) * * * [ kɔːʃəs] of (he was cautious about committing… …   Combinatory dictionary

  • cautious — 01. Scientists have to be very [cautious] in applying this new cloning technology. 02. Don t worry, he s a very [cautious] driver. 03. The sign said, Men at work on highway, proceed with [caution]. 04. Extreme [caution] should be taken when… …   Grammatical examples in English

  • cautious — adjective Date: 1614 marked by or given to caution < cautious investors > < cautious optimism > • cautiously adverb • cautiousness noun Synonyms: cautious, circumspect, wary, chary mean …   New Collegiate Dictionary

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