gingerly
/ˈdʒɪn(d)ʒəli/adverb
In a very careful and cautious way, as if afraid of causing pain or damage.
Example sentences
- “He stepped gingerly across the frozen pond.”
- “The nurse gingerly removed the bandage from his knee.”
- “I sat down gingerly on the wobbly old chair.”
Typical with verbs of touching and moving: step, touch, or pick something up gingerly. It can also be an adjective ('gingerly steps') and has no proven link to the spice.