adj.
Pronunciation: ' s ə r-k ə m- ˌ spekt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French circonspect, from Latin circumspectus, from past participle of circumspicere to look around, be cautious, from circum- + specere to look ― more at SPY
Date: 15th century
: careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences : PRUDENT <diplomacy required a circumspect response>
synonyms see CAUTIOUS
– cir · cum · spec · tion \ ˌ s ə r-k ə m- ' spek-sh ə n \ noun
– cir · cum · spect · ly \ ' s ə r-k ə m- ˌ spek(t)-l ē \ adverb