circumspective

English

Etymology

From Latin circumspicere.

Adjective

circumspective (comparative more circumspective, superlative most circumspective)

1. Looking around in all directions; cautious or watchful of danger.
   • 1733, [Alexander Pope], An Essay on Man. […], (please specify |epistle=I to IV), London: […] J[ohn] Wilford, […], →OCLC:

     circumspective eyes

2. (philosophy) Pertaining to situation or circumstances.

   circumspective concern

   • 1999, William McNeill, The Glance of the Eye, page 78:

     The existential meaning of circumspective deliberation, Heidegger argues in Being and Time is making-present (Gegenwärtigung).

   • 2000, Vensus A. George, The Experience of Being as Goal of Human Existence, page 118:

     Rather it is the unity of the three ecstasies of the temporality that constitutes the circumspective concern in its temporality. In other words, Dasein makes the equipmental system present in his circumspective concern with reference to his future ends, i.e., awaiting future ends, on the basis of the retention from the past.

   • 2014, John Laird, An Enquiry into Moral Notions, page 306:

     In the main, this circumspective aspect of morality is a relational affair, principally between the agent and at least two persons or parties other than the agent.

Derived terms

• circumspectively

Related terms

• circumspect

References

• “circumspective”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.