Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - cautious

 adjective  Date: 1614 marked by or given to caution ~ investors ~ optimism  • ~ly adverb  • ~ness noun Synonyms:  ~, circumspect, wary, chary mean prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk. ~ implies the exercise of forethought usually prompted by fear of danger a ~ driver. circumspect suggests less fear and stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding circumspect in his business dealings. wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger and cunning in escaping it keeps a wary eye on the competition. chary implies a ~ reluctance to give, act, or speak freely chary of signing papers without having read them first.