Main Entry: cir·cum·spect

Pronunciation: \ˈsər-k^əm-ˌspekt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French circonspect, from Latin circumspectus, from past participle of circumspicere to look around, be cautious, from circum- + specere to look — more at spy

Date: 15th century

: careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences : prudent <diplomacy required a circumspect response>

synonyms see cautious

— cir·cum·spec·tion \ˌsər-k^əm-ˈspek-shən\ noun

— cir·cum·spect·ly \ˈsər-k^əm-ˌspek(t)-lē\ adverb