\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.

      Cautious feeling for another's pain.     --Byron.

      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.