gingerly

1 of 2adverb

/ˈdʒɪndʒərli/

1

in a very careful or cautious manner, especially to avoid harm or discomfort

She stepped gingerly across the icy sidewalk.
He gingerly placed the fragile vase on the shelf.
I gingerly opened the old book, afraid the pages might tear.
The cat approached the new dog gingerly.
They gingerly lifted the injured bird from the ground.

Synonyms:

cautiously carefully