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guardedly

guardedly

3 6.5
In a careful way that avoids risk or saying too much
  • adverb
  • /ˈɡɑrdədli/
translation icon : cautelosamente
  • He spoke guardedly about his plans, not wanting to reveal too much information.
  • guardedly optimistic

Examples

  • "Worldwide with our little problem," he said, smiling somewhat guardedly at Maggie.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • As the two of them began to inspect the contact sheets, they maintained a guardedly noncommittal attitude.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Perhaps that might be of use to you? "It might," he said guardedly.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • "We all come to it for different reasons," she said guardedly, and silence followed.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • "You... never looked at me that way back on Earth," he answered guardedly.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • "I am not sure that I understand you," Pryce said guardedly, but his confidence was gone.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • Indeed, there are reasons to be guardedly optimistic about the macroeconomic consequences of these trends.

    Academic text (1997)
  • In spite of these tensions, some academics are guardedly optimistic about NAGPRA's future in light of the new rule.

    Academic text (2011)
  • With a glance at Mandy, who was watching her with intense curiosity, Pancho replied guardedly, "Well, I'm here now."

    Fiction book (2001)
  • After hearing the news, she responded guardedly, wary of making any assumptions.

Synonyms

cautiously
vsguardedly
70 2.3

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

is similar but also stresses avoiding revealing information
gingerly
vsguardedly
23 4.6

In a very careful, slow way to avoid damage or getting hurt

is cautious to avoid risk or revealing things not only physical care
conservatively
vsguardedly
17 5.0

In a careful way that avoids risk

leans toward avoiding risk or revelation rather than merely moderate choice
warily
vsguardedly
16 4.3

To act carefully and watch for danger

is cautious to avoid risk or revealing information rather than only watching danger
prudently
vsguardedly
8 5.0

In a careful way to avoid future problems

is chiefly about avoiding risk or revelation rather than long term planning
secretively
vsguardedly
1 6.1

In a quiet way that hides what you do or think

is cautious to avoid risk or revelation but not necessarily secretive
circumspectly
vsguardedly
  • Formal
1 8.3

To act carefully after thinking about possible problems and results

emphasizes avoiding risk or revelation rather than broad assessment
prudentially
vsguardedly
  • Formal
1 7.7

In a careful, sensible way to avoid risk

focuses on avoiding risk or secrecy rather than specific practical prudence
cagily
vsguardedly
1 7.9

In a careful way that avoids giving clear answers

is cautious to avoid risk or revelation but without the evasive cleverness
charily
vsguardedly
9.6

Carefully because you are unsure about possible risks

is careful to avoid risk or revealing information rather than only prudence
reticently
vsguardedly
8.0

In a quiet way, not wanting to speak or give information

is cautious to avoid risk or revealing things not only quietness

Antonyms

30 4.6

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

20 1.0

In a way that you do something without thinking or paying attention

How Cautiously

warily
16 4.3
cautiously
70 2.3
guardedly
3 6.5
tentatively
30 5.1
hesitantly
14 3.2

Surface Forms

guardedly positive

Morphology

guardedly = guarded (transparent) = guard + ed + ly

The adverb 'guardedly' is transparently derived from the adjective 'guarded', indicating the manner of being cautious.

Etymology

Guardedly comes from the word guard, which means 'to watch' or 'to protect'. Think of a guard standing watch and speaking carefully, so to act guardedly is to be cautious and avoid risks or revealing too much.