careful

[ kair-fuhl ]

adjective

1. cautious in one's actions:

   Be careful when you cross the street.

   Synonyms: circumspect, chary, guarded, watchful

   Antonyms: careless

2. taking pains in one's work; exact; thorough:

   a careful typist.

   Synonyms: scrupulous, meticulous

   Antonyms: careless

3. (of things) done or performed with accuracy or caution:

   careful research.

   Synonyms: rigorous

   Antonyms: careless

4. solicitously mindful (usually followed by of, about, or in ):

   careful of the rights of others;

   careful about one's behavior;

   careful in speech.

   Synonyms: regardful, heedful, attentive, solicitous, concerned, thoughtful

   Antonyms: careless

5. Archaic.
   1. full of anxiety or care; troubled.
   2. causing or attended with anxiety:

      a careful day.

careful

/ ˈkɛəfʊl /

adjective

1. cautious in attitude or action; prudent
2. painstaking in one's work; thorough

   he wrote very careful script

3. usually postpositive; foll by of, in, or about solicitous; protective

   careful of one's reputation

4. archaic.
   full of care; anxious
5. mean or miserly

Derived Forms

• ˈcarefully, adverb
• ˈcarefulness, noun

Other Words From

• care·ful·ly adverb
• care·ful·ness noun
• qua·si-care·ful adjective
• ul·tra·care·ful adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of careful¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English carful, cearful; care, -ful

Synonym Study

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. See painstaking.

Example Sentences

“But I will say that Michel is a very careful demographer and he wouldn’t just make one up.”

From Science Magazine

He urged them to be careful not to double count and to ensure they write everything down.

From BBC

Given the complexity of the EZH2 pathway, achieving a careful balance is essential to avoid reversing treatment benefits.

From Science Daily

I mean, in a sense, be careful what you wish for.

From Los Angeles Times

Australian and UK authorities have each warned their citizens to be careful of methanol poisoning when consuming alcohol in Laos.

From BBC

Related Words

• accurate
• attentive
• choosy
• circumspect
• concerned
• conscientious
• deliberate
• discreet
• judicious
• leery
• meticulous
• mindful
• precise
• prudent
• rigorous
• scrupulous
• sober
• thorough
• thoughtful
• vigilant