cautiously

Everyday

1. Carefully, so as to avoid danger or mistakes. tree →
2. Slowly and not fully trusting something yet («cautiously hopeful»). tree →

In the lessons

In safety lessons it describes how to cross roads, climb, or handle hot or sharp things. In stories it shows a character who is nervous or wary — creeping cautiously into a dark room. In the news, «cautiously optimistic» means hopeful but not sure. It tells the reader to expect care, slowness or doubt.

Examples

• We crossed the busy road cautiously, looking both ways. tree →
• The cat cautiously sniffed the new food. tree →
• She cautiously opened the creaky door. tree →
• Hold the scissors cautiously, with the points down. tree →
• The doctors are cautiously hopeful that he will get better. tree →
• He stepped cautiously onto the frozen pond — a dangerous idea. tree →
• The deer moved cautiously out of the trees. tree →
• Cautiously, I lifted the lid of the mystery box. tree →
• “What kind of adventure?” he asked cautiously. tree →

Note

Adverb from «cautious» + -ly; noun «caution». Spelling: c-a-u-t-i-o-u-s-l-y. Safety tip: never walk on frozen ponds or lakes, however cautiously.