As I get older, I find myself a more circumspect driver. Once darkness settles in, I am not so enthusiastic about driving the car as I used to be. In the winter I study road conditions a lot more carefully than I used to consider them before venturing out, especially on a longer trip outside of Moose Jaw.
Circumspect is an adjective meaning to carefully mull over all circumstances and possible consequences. One tends to be more prudent about many things as a senior. I have heard numerous older people joke about not buying green bananas anymore, as the bananas may not ripen before something serious could happen to them.
Circumspect comes from the Latin word circumspectus, a past participle of circumspicere, which means to look around (root verb is specere, meaning to look, plus circum, meaning around). The English language has many words using circum. Just think of circumference (the perimeter of a circle), circumscribe (to define or mark off carefully; to draw a line around), and circumnavigate (to go completely around, as in circumnavigate the world). Circumstance is another familiar word using the prefix circum. Circumstance implies a specific detail around an action or event. It is often a part of its setting or background. The witness could not recall the exact circumstances leading up to the accident.
The Latin specere has entered English in words like spectacle (an eye-catching or dramatic public display; a device used to correct defects of vision), spectrum (a continuous sequence or range as in a continuum of colour formed when a beam of white light is dispersed by passage through a prism so that its component wavelengths are arranged in order), and spectator (one who looks on or watches).
Cautious, wary, and circumspect, all imply being watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk. Cautious suggests the exercise of forethought, often incited by fear of danger. Wary emphasizes suspiciousness and alertness in watching for danger, and canny in escaping it. Circumspect implies less fear than cautiousness, not as suspicious as wariness, but stresses the surveying of all possible consequences before acting or deciding. If I consider the meaning of circumspect as prudent, this implies it is marked by wisdom or judiciousness and suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion. I am proud to be marked as a circumspect driver in that respect.
As a circumspect driver planning a trip to British Columbia in the winter I mull over the consequences of icy roads, possible snowstorms, temperature, all in connection with the distance to travel. Sometimes a circumspect motorist worries too much about everything that might happen instead of planning to enjoy the adventure and observe the wonders around. Learn to take whatever comes in stride.
John would like to know if anyone has a sincere interest in a relevant word that he could possibly research for an upcoming column. If so, please send your requests to wordwisdom2021@gmail.com. Words will be selected according to relevance and research criteria. We cannot confirm that all words will be used.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
