adj
guarded
GAH-dihd
adj
1
Careful and reluctant to reveal much; cautious in speech or manner.
"He gave a guarded response when asked about the merger."
"She remained guarded around new colleagues at first."
2
(of a patient's condition) Likely to improve but still uncertain, requiring close monitoring.
"The hospital listed his condition as guarded but stable."
How to Use Guarded
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCautious and not fully open — holding something back.
Common pairings
a guarded reply
guarded optimism
guarded condition
Word Forms
more guarded comparative, most guarded superlative
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He gave a _____ response when asked about the merger.