cautious
She was cautious when crossing the busy street.
She was careful to avoid accidents while crossing.
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
Related Phrases
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.