circumspection
/ˌsɜːkəmˈspekʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌsɜːrkəmˈspekʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌsər-kəm-ˈspek-shən/ (ame, mw)
circumspection — noun
1. the habit of thinking carefully about possible consequences before acting or spe
the habit of thinking carefully about possible consequences before acting or speaking, so as to avoid unnecessary risks
Yuki showed great circumspection before signing the contract with the new supplier.
collocation: show + circumspection
The judge praised Dr. Okafor for the circumspection he brought to the clinical trial review.
With quiet circumspection, the elderly librarian checked each returned book for damage.
Amir's circumspection about the investment saved his family from a costly fraud.
The ambassador answered the reporter's question with the circumspection her role demanded.
- prudence
stresses practical wisdom in managing affairs and resources, often over the long term
- caution
more about avoiding immediate danger or harm; less formal and more broadly used
- discretion
emphasises being careful about what one says or reveals, especially to protect privacy or trust
- wariness
implies a degree of distrust or suspicion toward a person or situation
- recklessness
acting without any thought of the consequences
- impulsiveness
acting on sudden urges rather than stopping to consider risks
用法筆記
Common in formal writing and professional contexts such as law, diplomacy, and business. Frequently paired with verbs like 'show', 'exercise', and 'act with'.