Circumspect
hardNeutral toneSER-kum-spekt
adjective
Definition
Wary and unwilling to take risks; cautious
Memory hook
CIRCUM-SPECT: Looking AROUND (circum) in all directions before acting -- careful and cautious.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“She was circumspect about sharing personal information online.”
“The investor took a circumspect approach to the risky market.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“She was ______ about sharing personal information online.”
Show answer
circumspect
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
wary
cautious and watchful of danger or trouble
discreet
Careful and prudent in speech or action; not drawing attention
prudent
Acting with or showing care and thought for the future
judicious
Having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense
reticent
Not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily; reserved
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
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