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View synonyms for

careful

[ kair-fuhl ]

adjective

  1. cautious in one's actions:

    Be careful when you cross the street.

    Synonyms: , , ,

    Antonyms:

  2. taking pains in one's work; exact; thorough:

    a careful typist.

    Synonyms: ,

    Antonyms:

  3. (of things) done or performed with accuracy or caution:

    careful research.

    Synonyms:

    Antonyms:

  4. solicitously mindful (usually followed by of, about, or in ):

    careful of the rights of others;

    careful about one's behavior;

    careful in speech.

    Synonyms: , , , , ,

    Antonyms:

  5. Archaic.
    1. full of anxiety or care; troubled.
    2. causing or attended with anxiety:

      a careful day.



careful

/ ˈɛəʊ /

adjective

  1. cautious in attitude or action; prudent
  2. painstaking in one's work; thorough

    he wrote very careful script

  3. usually postpositive; foll by of, in, or about solicitous; protective

    careful of one's reputation

  4. archaic.
    full of care; anxious
  5. mean or miserly
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈڳܱ, adverb
  • ˈڳܱԱ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ·ڳܱ· adverb
  • ·ڳܱ·Ա noun
  • ܲ·-·ڳܱ adjective
  • ܱ·ٰ··ڳܱ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of careful1

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English carful, cearful; care, -ful
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Synonym Study

Careful, cautious, discreet, wary imply a watchful guarding against something. Careful implies guarding against mistakes, by paying strict and close attention to details, and, often, trying to use good judgment: He was careful to distinguish between them. Cautious implies a fear of some unfavorable situation and investigation before coming to conclusions: cautious about investments. Discreet implies being prudent in speech and action and being trustworthy as a confidant: discreet in manner, in keeping secrets. Wary implies a vigilant lookout for a danger suspected or feared: wary of polite strangers. See painstaking.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Energy companies are still targeting 30 June "as things stand", Mr Hammond added, and are developing plans for a "managed and very careful phase down of the system", aiming to protect vulnerable customers.

From

The light is too harshly angled and full of diodes, too precise, too careful and still somehow not careful enough, not surreal, sepia and tender enough.

From

It stated the reports constituted responsible journalism as a result of careful investigation.

From

A Scottish government spokesperson said it will give "careful consideration" to the BMA's case.

From

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said the government will give "careful consideration" to pay rise recommendations for NHS workers but must make sure to balance the books.

From

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