ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cautious

adj.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈkɔʃəs// UK //kˈɔːʃəs// cau·tious

adj. careful to avoid potential problems or dangers. You act this way when you want to be safe and not take unnecessary risks.

adj. characterised by the avoidance of potential risks or dangers; showing forethought and care. Often follows a linking verb or precedes a noun.


SIMPLE

He is very cautious when driving in the rain.

CONTEXTUAL

The investors remained cautious despite the positive news, waiting for more data before committing their capital.

COMPLEX

A cautious approach to the new policy may prevent the administrative errors that plagued the previous rollout, though it risks slowing down the necessary reforms.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From caution (“from Latin cautus”) + -ous.

Usage

Often takes the preposition 'about' or 'of' when referring to a specific concern.

Pitfall

He is cautious for the dogHe is cautious of the dogWhen expressing wariness of a specific thing, use 'of' or 'about' rather than 'for'.

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