careful

care-ful · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Making sure to avoid potential danger, mistakes, or harm.

  2. 2.

    Done with or showing thought and attention.

  3. 3.

    Anxious to protect something from harm or loss.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    be careful — a warning to take caution
  • •
    careful what you wish for — warning that desires may have unexpected consequences
  • •
    careful consideration — thorough thinking about something

Related words

Antonyms: careless, heedless, negligent, reckless
See also: attentive, careless, cautious, prudent
Synonyms: attentive, cautious, meticulous, prudent, thorough

Etymology

From Old English "caru" meaning worry or concern, combined with the suffix "-ful" meaning full of. The word originally meant "full of care or sorrow" but shifted to mean "exercising caution."