Definition
A cautious person tests the ground before trusting it. Caution lives in the body as hesitation — checking, holding back, keeping a way out — so that risk is met deliberately rather than blindly. The word is not the same as fearful: a cautious investor still invests, a cautious driver still drives; they simply weigh the downside first. Used of statements, 'cautious' means carefully measured, claiming no more than the available evidence will safely allow.
Examples
- A cautious climber tests every hold before trusting it with weight on such a precarious ledge.
- The committee stayed cautious, adding safeguards meant to deter rash decisions.
- Scientists were cautious in their conclusions, claiming only what the data could support.
Collocations
a cautious approach·cautious optimism·remain cautious about·a cautious estimate·cautiously optimistic
Synonyms
careful·wary·prudent·guarded·vigilant
Antonyms
reckless·rash·impulsive
Word family
caution (noun)·cautiously (adverb)·cautionary (adjective)
In TOEFL & IELTS
Very useful for IELTS Writing when you want to hedge: 'a cautious estimate suggests…' or 'one should be cautious about generalizing'. The collocation 'cautious optimism' is gold for discursive essays. In Speaking, 'I'd be cautious about that' is a natural, advanced way to half-disagree. Note the spelling -tious and the adverb cautiously.