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careful

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˈkɛrfəl/ · UK /ˈkeəfəl/

careful means: Paying close attention to avoid danger, damage, or mistakes.

adjective

AVOIDING HARMA2

Paying close attention to avoid danger, damage, or mistakes.

  • Be careful with that knife.
  • She was careful not to wake the baby.
  • Are you always this careful when crossing roads?

How to use it: careful with something (Be careful with the glass.); careful not to do something (He was careful not to slip.); careful about something (Be careful about sharing your address.)

Similar words: cautious

Opposites: careless

Common phrases: be careful, careful with something, careful when driving

THOROUGH WORKB1

Done with close attention to every detail, so that nothing is missed or done badly.

  • The plan needs careful thought.
  • A careful search revealed the missing ring.
  • Her careful measurements helped us build the shelf.

Similar words: thorough, meticulous

Opposites: careless

Common phrases: careful planning, careful study, careful examination

Questions about careful

What does careful mean?

Paying close attention to avoid danger, damage, or mistakes.

What is careful in other languages?

Türkçe: dikkatli · Español: cuidadoso · Français: prudent · Deutsch: vorsichtig · Italiano: attento · 日本語: 注意深い

How do you pronounce careful?

In American English /ˈkɛrfəl/; in British English /ˈkeəfəl/.

How do you use careful in a sentence?

Be careful with that knife. She was careful not to wake the baby.

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