cautious

/ˈkɔːʃəs/adjective

Acting carefully to avoid danger or mistakes.

Example sentence

“Be cautious when driving on icy roads.”

Milder than 'fearful': a cautious person still acts, just carefully. The set phrase 'cautiously optimistic' is everywhere in news writing.

Related words

caveA big natural hollow space underground or in the side of a cliff or hill.catharticHelping to release built-up emotions, especially after something overwhelming.cavernA cave of great size.catalystA substance that speeds up a chemical reaction while remaining unchanged itself.ceaseTo bring an activity to an end; to stop.cashierA person whose job is to take payments from customers at a register.