'circumspect' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'circumspectus', where 'circum-' meant 'around' and 'specere' (or the past participle 'spectus') meant 'to look' or 'seen'.

'circumspect' changed from the Latin adjective 'circumspectus' into Medieval/Old French influences (e.g. 'circonspect'), and eventually became the modern English 'circumspect' via Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'looking around' or 'looking about (one)', but over time it evolved into its current sense of 'careful, cautious, considering consequences'.