circumspection
2
8.4
- noun
- /ˌsɜrkəmˈspɛkʃən/
- Formal
:
circunspección
- And the more circumspect, I mean, circumspection's a great thing, but the more one knows, actually, the more dangerous and difficult it becomes.
- the virtue of circumspection
- moral circumspection
- degree of circumspection
And a child doesn't always have the circumspection to face that kind of fear down.
- And a child doesn't always have the circumspection to face that kind of fear down.
- The good stuff in us, our empathy, our warmth, our patience, our circumspection, all mean that we do not always pick it up fast.
Examples
-
And a child doesn't always have the circumspection to face that kind of fear down.
-
Having to explain or even justify behavior called for a degree of circumspection.
Academic text (1995) -
I think it's fine to have compassion and empathy and circumspection and understand some of the reasons why a person may do what they do.
-
I appreciated their kindness and circumspection in not commenting on my personal life.
Fiction book (1990) -
To solve them, we need clear-cut goals, imagination, a sense of responsibility, and circumspection.
Academic text (1990) -
The passage read: "Sharp warns that Becca must be approached with the utmost circumspection."
Fiction book (1992) -
She approached the decision with circumspection, weighing all possible outcomes before making a choice.
-
His circumspection in handling sensitive topics earned him the respect of his colleagues.
-
The lawyer's circumspection in reviewing the contract ensured that no important details were overlooked.
Synonyms
158
2.5
Care that helps you avoid danger or mistakes
57
4.6
Ability to make careful choices and keep private things secret
18
6.1
Careful and sensible thinking and action to avoid risks
1
4.2
Careful action to avoid danger or problems
1
2.1
Paying close attention to avoid mistakes or harm
1
6.7
A careful, thoughtful, and slow way of acting or making decisions
Antonyms
How Cautious
Surface Forms
Morphology
circumspection = circumspect (transparent) = circumspect + ion
The noun is a regular nominalization of the adjective 'circumspect' with the productive suffix '-ion', so the meaning is directly derived.
Etymology
Circumspection comes from Latin parts circum- 'around' and specere 'to look', so it means 'looking around' before you act. You can see the 'look' part in the word inspect, and that's why circumspection today means careful, cautious thinking before doing something.