careful
[ kair-fuhl ]
/ ˌkɛər fəl /
adjective
cautious in one's actions: Be careful when you cross the street.
taking pains in one's work; exact; thorough: a careful typist.
(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.
Words nearby careful
SYNONYMS FOR careful
OTHER WORDS FROM 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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Examples from the Web for careful
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
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