# conservatively

/kənˈsɝvətɪvɫi/ (US) · /kənsˈɜːvətˌɪvli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/conservatively
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

to be careful and not take unnecessary risks. You use this when you want to be safe and not spend more money or time than you have to.

For teachers: to act with caution or restraint; to estimate a value with a margin of safety. Often used to describe financial behavior or the calculation of potential outcomes.

## Examples

- He conservatively estimates that the repairs will cost five hundred dollars.
- The company conservatively budgeted for a ten percent increase in fuel costs to avoid any unexpected financial strain.
- While the initial data suggested a significant rise in sales, the analysts conservatively projected a modest increase to account for the volatile nature of the current market.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.