Circumspect
hardSER-kum-spekt
adjective
Definition
Wary and unwilling to take risks; cautious
Examples
“She was circumspect about sharing personal information online.”
“The investor took a circumspect approach to the risky market.”
Categories
GRE Tip
Circumspect is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "cautious" or "prudent" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "reckless".
Related GRE Words
discreet
Careful and prudent in speech or action; not drawing attention
prudent
Acting with or showing care and thought for the future
reticent
Not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily; reserved
judicious
Having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
capricious
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
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