circumspection

/ˌsɜrkəmˈspɛkʃən/

Other forms: circumspections

Circumspection is the quality of being cautious and prudent. If you don't immediately get excited about a party invitation, instead taking some time to consider whether you want to go, that's your circumspection in action.

Circumspection is generally a good characteristic, keeping people from making bad decisions. Your friend's circumspection makes her a great source of advice, someone you can trust to provide a considered opinion after a lot of thought. But circumspection can also slow you down if it means you're always scared of making a mistake. This word is rooted in the Latin circumspicere, "to look around."

Definitions of circumspection

1. noun

   the trait of being circumspect and prudent
   synonyms: caution

   types:

   precaution

   the trait of practicing caution in advance

   chariness, wariness

   the trait of being cautious and watchful

   type of:

   discernment, discretion

   the trait of judging wisely and objectively
2. noun

   knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress
   synonyms: discreetness, discretion, prudence

   types:

   confidentiality

   discretion in keeping secret information

   type of:

   discernment, judgement, judgment, sagaciousness, sagacity

   the mental ability to understand and discriminate between relations