# cautiously

**Pronunciation:** /ˈkɔː.ʃəs.li/ · KAW-shus-lee

**CEFR level:** B1

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

In a way that avoids danger or risks; carefully and with great attention.

## Examples

- She cautiously opened the door, not wanting to disturb anyone.
- The police cautiously approached the suspicious vehicle.
- He cautiously tasted the unfamiliar food, unsure if he would like it.

## Synonyms

- carefully — General term for paying attention to avoid mistakes or harm.
- warily — Suggests suspicion or distrust of a situation or person.
- gingerly — Describes very careful, delicate movements, often due to pain or fear of damaging something.
- circumspectly — Implies careful consideration of all possible consequences before acting.

## Antonyms

- recklessly — Acting without care for danger or consequences.
- boldly — Acting with courage and confidence, often in the face of risk.
- heedlessly — Acting without paying attention to danger or warnings.

## Common patterns

- cautiously approach — To move towards something or someone in a careful, guarded way. — The detective cautiously approached the suspect's car.
- cautiously advance — To move forward slowly and carefully, often in a dangerous situation. — The rescue team cautiously advanced into the unstable building.
- cautiously explore — To investigate or examine something in a careful and tentative manner. — The scientists cautiously explored the new cave system.

## Collocations

- proceed cautiously — We must proceed cautiously with the negotiations.
- move cautiously — The injured hiker had to move cautiously down the steep slope.
- speak cautiously — She spoke cautiously about her future plans, not wanting to make any firm commitments.
- act cautiously — Given the volatile market, it's wise to act cautiously.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/cautiously

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