The word "circumspect'' means "wary and unwilling to take risks''. It refers to being careful, especially before acting.
Step 1: Analyze the meaning of each option:
- "Polite'': means respectful or considerate, not necessarily related to carefulness.
- "Delicate'': means fragile or sensitive, again not quite fitting the idea of caution.
- "Reckless'': means without thinking or caring about consequences — opposite of circumspect.
- "Cautious'': means careful to avoid potential problems or dangers, which is synonymous with circumspect.
Hence, the correct synonym for "circumspect'' is "cautious''.