Words / B1

KORSH-uh-slee/ˈkɔːʃəsli/

Cautiously means in a careful way, to avoid risk. Cautious is the adjective (already in the dictionary); carefully is a close twin (already in the dictionary) but carefully can mean “with attention to detail”, not only risk. Bank of England: rates moved cautiously after inflation spiked.

Meaning

In a careful way, to avoid risk.

Examples

• “The Bank moved rates cautiously after the inflation spike.”
• “Open the kiln cautiously is the safety sense; copy the quote carefully is accuracy.”

Good to know

cautiously + verb. Adjective: cautious. Close: carefully (detail vs risk). Monetary policy / labs. Not “cautious” as the adverb.

Near in meaning

carefully

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