Cautious
/ˈkɔːʃəs/
Definitions
Showing care and avoidance of potential danger or risk.
/ˈkɔːʃəs/
Careful to avoid potential danger, risk, or harm.
The cautious hiker checked the trail map before setting off.
💡 Simply: Someone who is cautious is careful to avoid risks and danger.
👶 For kids: Someone who is very careful and thinks before they act.
More Examples
She approached the situation with cautious optimism.
How It's Used
"He was cautious about investing in the stock market."
"The cautious investor diversified her portfolio."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
proceed with caution
To act carefully and thoughtfully, especially when dealing with a potentially dangerous or risky situation.
"Given the complexity of the project, we decided to proceed with caution."
From Middle English *cautious, from Old French *cautious, from Latin *cautus (past participle of *cavēre, "to beware").
The word has maintained a consistent meaning of carefulness and avoidance of risk throughout its history.
Memory tip
Think 'cautious' as 'care-tious', always caring and taking precautions.
Word Origin
"to beware"