kao tsu
B2Formal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
Being careful to avoid danger or risk; not taking unnecessary chances.
A general attitude of prudence and wariness in action or decision-making, sometimes implying a degree of reluctance or slowness due to potential negative outcomes.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a positive, prudent evaluation of risk. It differs from words like 'fearful' or 'timid' in that it suggests a reasoned, conscious approach rather than an emotional reaction. Can sometimes have a mildly negative connotation of being overly hesitant.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally common and used in the same contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Universally positive for prudence, potentially mildly negative for hesitation in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both British and American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be cautious about/of/with + NOUN/GERUNDbe cautious + TO INFINITIVE (less common)be cautious (that) + CLAUSEVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Better safe than sorry (conceptually related)”
- “Err on the side of caution”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The board adopted a cautious strategy for the new market, preferring phased investment."
Academic
"The researchers were cautious in interpreting the preliminary data, citing the small sample size."
Everyday
"Be cautious on the roads tonight; it's icy."
Technical
"The software performs a cautious update, creating a full system restore point first."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They were cautioned by the police.
- I must caution you against rushing this decision.
American English
- The judge cautioned the witness.
- Analysts caution that growth may slow.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The cat was cautious near the new dog.
- Be cautious when you cross the road.
- Investors are becoming more cautious due to economic uncertainty.
- She's cautious about making big promises.
- The government issued a cautious statement, neither confirming nor denying the reports.
- His initial optimism was replaced by a more cautious assessment of the challenges.
- The diplomat's language was deliberately cautious to avoid escalating the tensions.
- A cautious interpretation of the statute would limit its application to extreme cases.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **cat** (sounds like 'cau') on a hot tin roof. It's very **cautious** about where it steps.
Conceptual Metaphor
CAUTION IS A PHYSICAL RESTRAINT/BARRIER (e.g., 'rein in spending', 'put the brakes on a project').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'осторожный' in every context, as the Russian word can imply 'attentive' or 'accurate' more strongly. 'Cautious' is primarily about risk-aversion.
- Do not confuse with 'conscious' (осознанный).
Common Mistakes
- Mispelling as 'cautios'.
- Using 'cautious to do' instead of the more natural 'cautious about doing'.
- Confusing 'cautious' (adjective) with 'caution' (noun).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'cautious' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Careful' is broader, meaning 'paying attention to avoid mistakes or harm.' 'Cautious' is a subset, specifically implying care taken to anticipate and avoid danger or risk. You can be careful when writing (to avoid errors) but not necessarily 'cautious' (unless the writing itself is risky).
Yes, in contexts where decisive action is needed. Calling someone 'overly cautious' or 'excessively cautious' implies their prudence is hindering progress or success.
Both are common. 'Cautious of' often relates to a specific threat or person (cautious of strangers). 'Cautious about' often relates to an activity or general situation (cautious about travelling alone). 'Cautious with' is used for physical objects (cautious with the glasses).
The primary noun form is 'caution'. The state of being cautious can also be described as 'circumspection' or 'prudence', but 'caution' is the direct counterpart.