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Cautious vs Reckless - What's the difference?

cautious | reckless |

As adjectives the difference between cautious and reckless

is that cautious is careful; using or exercising caution; tentative while reckless is careless or heedless; headstrong or rash.

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

    reckless

    English

    Alternative forms

    * (l), (l) (obsolete)

    Adjective

    (en-adj)
  • Careless or heedless; headstrong or rash.
  • Indifferent to danger or the consequences.

    • Antonyms

    * (l)

    Derived terms

    * recklessness

    Anagrams

    *