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.
It’s a good thing you looked over your return carefully when your preparer sent it back to you.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026
What he says tonight will be carefully scrutinised by US allies and adversaries, some of whom will wonder whether it constitutes a ruse.
From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026
Because the sample was carefully sealed and protected, it provides a rare and reliable record of Bennu's original chemistry.
From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026
Remember its carefully telegraphed missile strikes after previous scuffles, easily shot down by the U.S. and its allies.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
"After thinking the matter over carefully, I have decided that I would prefer not to meet it."
From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda
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.
