circumspect
SUR-kum-spektadjMeaning careful to think about risks before acting
Memory hook CIRCUM-SPECT: look all AROUND. Before Pip crosses the busy street, he looks all around: left, right and left again. Looking all around before you act is being circumspect.
A circumspect hiker checks the weather twice before setting out.
In context Unlike his brother, who signed whatever was put in front of him, Nate was circumspect: he read every line of the lease and asked about each fee.
Similar cautious, careful, wary, prudent
Opposite rash, reckless, careless
From Latin circumspectus, “cautious, well considered,” from circumspicere, “to look around”: circum (around) + specere (to look).