careful

[kair-fuhl]

adjective

1. cautious in one's actions.

   Be careful when you cross the street.

   Synonyms: circumspect, chary, guarded, watchful
   Antonyms: careless, careless, careless, careless

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

   a careful typist.

   Synonyms: scrupulous, meticulous
   Antonyms: careless, careless, careless, careless

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

   careful research.

   Synonyms: rigorous
   Antonyms: careless, careless, careless, careless

4. solicitously mindful (usually followed by of, about, orin ).

   careful of the rights of others;

   careful about one's behavior;

   careful in speech.

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

Other Word Forms

• carefully adverb
• carefulness noun
• quasi-careful adjective
• ultracareful 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

Communicating with rescuers, Hey gave a careful account of Montgomery’s condition, including the prescribed medications he had been without since losing his pack.

From Los Angeles Times

A spokesman said it followed "careful consideration" of its most recent court defeat.

From BBC

As a boy he bought antiques for the family and made careful drawings that showed where to place them.

From Los Angeles Times

The late Queen was careful to avoid public interventions in political matters, but the author says she was instinctively against the upheaval of Brexit.

From BBC

The start of his summer was hampered by a slight hamstring complaint that required a scan and careful managing during their training camp in Austria.

From BBC

Related Words

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