Definition of "circumspect" [cir•cum•spect]

• Heedful of circumstances and potential consequences; prudent. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "I'm confused by your use of the word circumspect, though, in reference to your new location."
• "Gates praises Reagan for 'circumspect' use of U.S. military"
• "WASHINGTON (CNN) – Defense Secretary Robert Gates praised President Ronald Reagan on Tuesday for being "circumspect" about putting American credibility or troops at risk in the absence of "a clear mission or strong odds of success.""