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cautious

/ˈkɔːʃəs/
adjective★Intermediate— careful to avoid danger or mistakes
general

Being careful to avoid danger, mistakes, or problems

Investors should be cautious when entering volatile markets.

Investors should be careful because markets can be unpredictable.

The cautious driver always checks for pedestrians before turning.

The careful driver ensures safety by checking for people before turning.

💡

Often used to describe behavior that minimizes risk or harm.

Collocations

cautious approacha careful and deliberate way of doing somethingcautious optimismhopeful but not overly confidentcautious drivera driver who avoids risks

Synonyms

carefulprudentwarycircumspectvigilant

Antonyms

recklesscarelessboldimpulsivenegligent

Related Phrases

play it safephrase
to avoid risks
better safe than sorryproverb
it's better to be cautious than to regret being careless

💡Pro Tip

Usage in Formal Contexts

In professional settings, 'cautious' is often preferred over 'careful' when describing decisions or actions.

⚡Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

While 'cautious' is useful, overusing it can make your speech or writing sound overly cautious or hesitant.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'cautus' (past participle of 'cavere' meaning 'to beware')

📝Usage Notes

Often used in contexts where avoiding mistakes or dangers is important, such as driving, investing, or decision-making.

Word Breakdown

caut-
related to care or caution
root
+
-ious
having the quality of
suffix
English Dictionary

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