carefully
Americanadverb
-
in a cautious way, with attention to possible risks and dangers.
Although somewhat "folksy" in his interview, the congressman carefully avoided pitfalls where he would be vulnerable to attack.
-
in a thorough, attentive, or painstaking way, giving thought to avoiding errors or omissions.
I have to carefully examine the copy editor's marked-up manuscript, double-checking everything and approving or vetoing changes.
Other Word Forms
- quasi-carefully adverb
- ultracarefully adverb
Etymology
Origin of carefully
First recorded before 1000; careful ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
By carefully adjusting how much the material swells, the team can also control how it reflects light.
From Science Daily
To fit inside the tiny nucleus of a cell, DNA must be carefully organized.
From Science Daily
By carefully adjusting the chemical environment, they use water to change the surface chemistry of the material.
From Science Daily
Because the sample was carefully sealed and protected, it provides a rare and reliable record of Bennu's original chemistry.
From Science Daily
Remember its carefully telegraphed missile strikes after previous scuffles, easily shot down by the U.S. and its allies.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
