circumspect
/ˈsɜː.kəm.spɛkt/
Group 9Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Wary and unwilling to take risks; prudent GRE
Example in Context
The CEO adopted a circumspect approach to the merger, insisting on extensive due diligence before committing any resources.
Synonyms
carefulcautiouswatchful
Etymology
Means to look around carefully before acting.
- circum (Latin) — around
- specere (Latin) — to look
Memory Aid
🎪Sounds like “circus inspect”
Before the CIRCUMSPECT clown jumps, he INSPECTS the safety net nervously!
Visual Association
🦉An owl perched on a branch, cautiously scanning its surroundings for danger.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “circumspect” mean on the GRE?
circumspect (adjective) means “Wary and unwilling to take risks; prudent”. The CEO adopted a circumspect approach to the merger, insisting on extensive due diligence before committing any resources.
How to remember “circumspect” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “circumspect” sounds like “circus inspect”. Before the CIRCUMSPECT clown jumps, he INSPECTS the safety net nervously!
What are synonyms for “circumspect”?
Common synonyms: careful, cautious, watchful.