Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - cautious

Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English. 1. Someone who is cautious acts very carefully in order to avoid possible danger. The scientists are cautious about using enzyme therapy on humans... He is a very cautious man. = careful ? rash ADJ: oft ADJ about n/-ing • cautiously David moved cautiously forward and looked over the edge... Cautiously, he moved himself into an upright position. ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj 2. If you describe someone’s attitude or reaction as cautious, you mean that it is limited or careful. He has been seen as a champion of a more cautious approach to economic reform. = circumspect ? rash ADJ • cautiously I am cautiously optimistic that a new government will be concerned and aware about the environment... Rebel sources have so far reacted cautiously to the threat. ? rashly ADV: usu ADV adj, also ADV with v