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conservatively

conservatively

17 5.0
In a careful way that avoids risk
  • adverb
  • /kənˈsɜrvəˌtɪvli/
translation icon : de forma conservadora
  • Despite little competition, the banking industry has operated conservatively because of overly rigid bureaucratic controls.
  • conservatively estimated
  • treated conservatively
  • managed conservatively

She says I don't do bet, the company bets, meaning I don't act conservatively risk averse day-to-day.

Examples

  • Conservatively, I'd say you're looking at back-to-back life sentences.

  • Well, perhaps you should use it more conservatively.

  • You might want to play things a little more conservatively.

  • The rocks alone would be worth, conservatively speaking, half a million.

  • I choose very carefully and very conservatively.

  • As such, all results of this current study must be interpreted conservatively.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Mrs. A did not present with characteristic symptoms, but was diagnosed and managed conservatively.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The patient was observed conservatively, remained stable, and was discharged on a short course of oral antibiotics.

    Academic text (2004)
  • The patient refused surgery to restore the nose, and he was treated conservatively with wet-to-dry dressings and antibiotic ointment.

    Academic text (2006)
  • He chose to invest conservatively to ensure he wouldn't lose his savings.

Synonyms

cautiously
vsconservatively
70 2.3

To do something in a careful way to avoid danger or mistakes

avoids risk while also keeping claims moderate and not overstated
sensibly
vsconservatively
15 3.7

In a way that shows good judgment and practical choices

prioritizes risk avoidance and moderate wording over simple practicality
prudently
vsconservatively
8 5.0

In a careful way to avoid future problems

is about moderate choices that also prevent exaggeration or risk
guardedly
vsconservatively
3 6.5

In a careful way that avoids risk or saying too much

leans toward careful moderation to avoid both risk and bold claims
temperately
vsconservatively
1 6.5

Act in a calm way without doing too much

focuses more on avoiding risk and overstatement than mere restraint
circumspectly
vsconservatively
  • Formal
1 8.3

To act carefully after thinking about possible problems and results

is about steady moderation and avoiding overstatement rather than full planning
prudentially
vsconservatively
  • Formal
1 7.7

In a careful, sensible way to avoid risk

covers general cautious moderation beyond only practical or financial contexts
measuredly
vsconservatively
6.6

In a careful, slow way without hurry

emphasizes careful moderation aimed at avoiding risk or overstatement

Antonyms

30 4.6

In a way that shows no care about danger or the results

Using or spending much more than needed

How Cautious

prudently
8 5.0
cautiously
70 2.3
conservatively
17 5.0
carelessly
20 1.0
recklessly
30 4.6

Surface Forms

conservatively positive

Morphology

conservatively = conservative (transparent) = conservative + ly

The adverb is a regular formation from the adjective 'conservative' with the productive suffix '-ly' indicating manner.

Etymology

Conservatively comes from Latin parts con- 'together' and servare 'to keep', and it is related to the English word conserve. So, to act conservatively is like keeping something safe or holding back risk, doing things carefully and not taking big chances.