cautiously
/ˈkɔː.ʃəs.li/ IELTSAcademic
adverb
In a careful way, so you avoid danger, mistakes, or bad results. It can also mean doing something slowly and with doubt.
- She opened the door cautiously.
- We should proceed cautiously here.
- He answered cautiously, not too quickly.
Adinary Nuance
Cautiously is about careful action, especially when there is risk or uncertainty. It is close to carefully, but carefully is more general, while cautiously often suggests fear, doubt, or a need to watch for danger. It is also more specific than slowly, because you can move quickly and still move cautiously.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- một cách thận trọng
- Spanish
- con cautela
- Chinese
- 谨慎地
- Japanese
- 慎重に
- Korean
- 조심스럽게
Etymology
Cautiously comes from the adjective cautious, from Latin cautus, meaning “careful” or “safe.” The adverb form developed in English later, from the 16th century onward.
Common phrases
move cautiouslyspeak cautiouslyproceed cautiouslyapproach cautiously
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is cautiously the same as carefully?
- Not exactly. Cautiously often adds a sense of possible danger or uncertainty.
- Is cautiously formal?
- It is neutral to slightly formal. It works well in academic and business English.
- Can I use cautiously in IELTS writing?
- Yes. It is a good word for describing careful action or a careful opinion.