cauteloso

Cauteloso is an adjective used in Spanish and Italian to describe someone or something that shows caution and prudence. In Spanish, cauteloso (masc.) and cautelosa (fem.) describe people who avoid risk and act with circumspection, or actions that are performed with care to prevent problems. The noun cautela means caution or prudence. In Italian, cauteloso and cautelosa have the same meanings and are used similarly, for example: una persona cautelosa, un approccio cauteloso.

Etymology: the term derives from cautela, caution, which in turn comes from Latin cautela, related to cautus meaning guarded or wary. The sense is essentially “full of caution.”

Usage and nuance: cauteloso generally denotes prudent, guarded behavior rather than reckless action. It can imply wariness or strategic restraint, and may carry a neutral or mildly pejorative tone if used to describe excessive caution. In finance, law, or journalism, it is common to describe strategies or statements as cautelosos when risk is deliberately limited.

Synonyms and related terms: Spanish: prudente, precavido, reservado. Italian: prudente, accorto, guardingo. Antonyms: imprudente, temerario.

See also: cautela, cautious in related languages.