Cautious \Cau"tious\, a. [Cf. L. cautus, fr. caver. See
   {Caution}.]
   Attentive to examine probable effects and consequences of
   acts with a view to avoid danger or misfortune; prudent;
   circumspect; wary; watchful; as, a cautious general.
   
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         Cautious feeling for another's pain.     --Byron.
   
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         Be swift to hear; but cautious of your tongue. --Watts.

   Syn: Wary; watchful; vigilant; prudent; circumspect;
        discreet; heedful; thoughtful; scrupulous; anxious;
        careful.

   Usage: {Cautious}, {Wary}, {Circumspect}. A man is cautious
          who realizes the constant possibility of danger; one
          may be wary, and yet bold and active; a man who is
          circumspect habitually examines things on every side
          in order to weigh and deliberate. It is necessary to
          be cautious at all times; to be wary in cases of
          extraordinary danger; to be circumspect in matters of
          peculiar delicacy and difficulty.
          
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