Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 6, 2024 is: circumspect \SER-kum-spekt\ adjective

Someone described as circumspect is careful to consider all [circumstances](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumstances) and risks before doing or saying something.

// They are circumspect in all their business dealings.

[See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumspect)

Examples:

"As a narrator, [Martin] Baron is at once circumspect—his memoir reveals nearly nothing of his life outside the newsroom—and brimming with astringent disclosure." — Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2023

Did you know?

Circumspect may not be the most common of words, but its Latin forebears have made quite a mark on our language. That's because circumspect combines two major players in the Latin branch of the English language's pedigree: circum-, meaning "around," and specere, meaning "to look." Just look around, and you'll find that English is brimming with descendants of these Latin gems. Open your paper dictionary to circumspect and behold with your own eyes the thirty circum- entries that surround it, such as [circumference](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumference), [circumscribe](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumscribe), and [circumnavigate](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumnavigate). Then flip on over to [spectacular](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectacular) for a little peek at the [many words](https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/speculate-origin-history) for which English has specere to thank, including [spectacle](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectacle), [spectrum](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectrum), and [spectator](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectator). Latin lovers: we see you!