careful Definition
care·ful (ker′fəl)
careful Related Forms
careful Synonyms
careful
modif.
careful implies close attention to or great concern for whatever is one's work or responsibility, and usually connotes thoroughness, a guarding against error or injury, etc.; meticulous implies extreme, sometimes finicky, carefulness about details; scrupulous implies a conscientious adherence to what is considered right, true, accurate, or proper in every detail; circumspect implies a careful consideration of all circumstances to avoid error or unfavorable consequences; cautious implies a careful guarding against possible dangers or risks; prudent implies the exercise of both caution and circumspection, suggesting careful management in economic and practical matters; discreet implies the exercise of discernment and judgment in the guidance of one's speech and action and suggests careful restraint; wary implies a cautiousness that is prompted by suspicion
careful Usage Examples
Preposition: for
nothing: The Lord is our Shepherd and I feel tonight as if after this I could be careful for nothing.
Infinitive complement
- distinguish: However, even at their 1922 congress the Mensheviks kept the term but were careful to distinguish themselves from Leninism.
- overdo: Be careful not to overdo it on the keywords.
- disturb: Cyclists are likely to be the fastest travelers on these routes, and must be careful not to disturb other users.
- avoid: Most people are careful enough to avoid obvious plagiarism.
- misdescribe: Be careful not to misdescribe bread and butter by using margarine or low-fat spread.
- confuse: One should be careful not to confuse the terms ' mobile clinics ' with ' outreach ' .
Modifies a noun
- consideration: Careful consideration will have to be given to a claim where the vehicle has been left open or unlocked.
- attention: Both these rooms deserve careful attention to their detail.
- planning: With careful wedding planning, you can save a small fortune!
- scrutiny: The winning castle was selected after much careful scrutiny by Mr Walker, Head of Lower school and an expert on medieval castle maudlin.
- thought: The matter merits careful thought, to avoid wasted time or worse.
- monitoring: A high standard of careful monitoring will be used for every patient.
Modifying Another Word
- especially: In dry weather please be especially careful about fire.
- very: I am always very careful about not imposing myself or my beliefs on someone.
- extremely: I am extremely careful not to use the word baby.
- scrupulously: Mr E: I think they are scrupulously careful about it.
- particularly: Where you need to be particularly careful is with the age-related allowance.
- exceptionally: You need to be exceptionally careful not to contaminate the scene.
Used with adjective complement
require: Restrictive covenants require very careful drafting and must not do more than is reasonably necessary to protect the employer's business.
Browse dictionary entries near careful
- ‹ carefree
- ‹ careerist
- ‹ career woman
- ‹ career
- ‹ careen
- ‹ care to
- ‹ care for
- ‹ care about
- ‹ care
- ‹ Cardus, Sir Neville
- carefully ›
- caregiver ›
- careless ›
- carelessly ›
- carelessness ›
- caress ›
- caret ›
- caretaker ›
- Carew ›
- Carew,Thomas ›

