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careful

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adjective American English pronunciation: careful /ˈkerf(ə)l/
  1. 1
    if someone is careful, they think about what they are doing so that they do not do anything wrong or so that they avoid problems

    Teachers have to be careful when criticizing pupils.

    Even the most careful proofreader will miss the occasional error.

    careful who/what/how:

    You must be careful who you accept a lift from.

    careful (that):

    Be careful that the medicine is kept away from children.

    careful about:

    People should be more careful about the things they say.

    be careful to do something:

    She was careful to keep her records up to date.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  carefulThesaurus entry for this meaning of careful
    1. a.
      trying hard not to cause harm or damage
      careful with:

      Please be very careful with those plates!

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  carefulThesaurus entry for this meaning of careful
    2. b.
      used about someone’s actions

      The project needs careful planning.

      After careful consideration, we are giving the prize to a children’s book.

      She took a few careful steps into the water.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  carefulThesaurus entry for this meaning of careful
  2. 2
    spending money only when it is necessary

    We’re going to have to be more careful now that Dad’s lost his job.

    be careful with (your) money:

    She’s always been careful with money.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  carefulThesaurus entry for this meaning of careful
    1. a.
      used humorously about someone who is not as generous with money as they should be
      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  carefulThesaurus entry for this meaning of careful

phrases

derived word

carefully

 American English pronunciation: carefully  adverb

a carefully worded letter

He washed the antique plates very carefully.

This is the American English definition of careful. View British English definition of careful.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

 

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