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cautious

adjective C1 Formal

Meaning

Characterized by a careful consideration of potential risks and consequences, "cautious" denotes a temperament or approach that prioritizes prudence and deliberation over impulsiveness, often in contexts requiring strategic decision-making or risk assessm
💡 While "cautious" typically conveys a positive connotation of prudence, it can also imply a lack of decisiveness or excessive wariness in certain contexts.

Example Sentences

Researchers must be cautious when interpreting data from small samples .
She was cautious when making decisions about her financial investments .
The manager was cautious when approving the new budget proposal .
The manager was cautious when reviewing the financial reports .

Word in Context

Maya had to decide whether to accept an offer from a small company , so she spent the morning meticulously reviewing the contract . She was cautious about signing anything until she had evaluated the notice period , benefits and the likely workload . After consulting a trusted mentor and comparing the role with her long - term goals , she listed the advantages and drawbacks in order of importance . Although the salary was slightly higher than her current job , she wanted to ensure the position offered genuine opportunities for development rather than short - term gain . By evening she felt ready to reply , confident that her deliberate approach had prevented a hasty decision .

Common Phrases

cautious approach cautious optimism cautious evaluation

Synonyms

Antonyms

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