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Paranoid vs Cautious - What's the difference?

paranoid | cautious |

As adjectives the difference between paranoid and cautious

is that paranoid is of, related to, or suffering from paranoia while cautious is careful; using or exercising caution; tentative.

As a noun paranoid

is someone suffering from paranoia.

paranoid

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Of, related to, or suffering from paranoia
  • Exhibiting extreme and irrational fear or distrust of others
    • Maybe I'm paranoid , but that doesn't mean that they are not out to get me.

    Related terms

    * paranoidly

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • Someone suffering from paranoia

    • cautious

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • careful; using or exercising caution; tentative
    • He took a few cautious steps out the door.

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Antonyms

    * neglecting * careless

    Derived terms

    * overcautious