This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
careful
[ kair-fuhl ]
/ ˈkɛər fəl /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adjective
cautious in one's actions: Be careful when you cross the street.
(of things) done or performed with accuracy or caution: careful research.
solicitously mindful (usually followed by of, about, or in): careful of the rights of others;careful about one's behavior;careful in speech.
Archaic.
- full of anxiety or care; troubled.
- causing or attended with anxiety: a careful day.
OTHER WORDS FOR careful
3 rigorous.
QUIZ
GOOSES. GEESES. I WANT THIS QUIZ ON PLURAL NOUNS!
Test how much you really know about regular and irregular plural nouns with this quiz.
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following nouns has an irregular plural form?
Origin of careful
synonym study for careful
1. 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. 2, 3. See painstaking.
OTHER WORDS FROM careful
care·ful·ly, adverbcare·ful·ness, nounqua·si-care·ful, adjectiveul·tra·care·ful, adjectiveWords nearby careful
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use careful in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for careful
careful
/ (ˈkɛəfʊl) /
adjective
cautious in attitude or action; prudent
painstaking in one's work; thoroughhe wrote very careful script
(usually postpositive; foll by of, in, or about) solicitous; protectivecareful of one's reputation
archaic full of care; anxious
British mean or miserly
Derived forms of careful
carefully, adverbcarefulness, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012