circumspection

[ sur-kuh m-spek-shuh n ]

/ ˌsɜr kəmˈspɛk ʃən /

circumspect observation or action; caution; prudence: He approached with circumspection.

Origin of circumspection

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin circumspectiōn- (stem of circumspectiō), equivalent to circumspect(us) circumspect + -iōn- -ion

o·ver·cir·cum·spec·tion, noun

"You communicated with him by circumspection," says Judith Bruce, a Radcliffe student who dated him for two years.

Doug Kenney: The Odd Comic Genius Behind ‘Animal House’ and National Lampoon |Robert Sam Anson |March 1, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
The Supreme Court exists to interpret with a greater degree of circumspection the laws the legislature passes.

Readers Support Greater Supreme Court Transparency |Ryan Prior |March 28, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
Wilson carried his circumspection further during and after the war.

Obama's Wilsonian Moment |John Milton Cooper, Jr. |December 9, 2009 |DAILY BEAST
So far from Russia assisting Naples, it may involve her, without the greatest care and circumspection, in total ruin.

The Life of Nelson, Vol. II. (of 2) |A. T. (Alfred Thayer) Mahan

As regards one point, however, her circumspection prevailed, and she must be given due credit for it.

Washington Square |Henry James
The judgment and circumspection of Washington were never more severely put to the proof.

The Student's Life of Washington; Condensed from the Larger Work of Washington Irving |Washington Irving
Do nothing rashly; want of circumspection is the chief cause of failure and disaster.

Book of Wise Sayings |W. A. Clouston
Moreover His Majesty has always been modest, and does everything with circumspection.

The Fight For The Republic in China |Bertram Lenox Putnam Weale