Care Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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care

[ker ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

healthcare

The provision of medical services to maintain or improve a person's physical or mental health.

Synonyms

medical care, medicine, treatment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
care

Used in a general sense, showing attention or concern for someone or something.

  • She takes care of her younger brother
  • You should take good care of your plants
medical care

Specific to professional healthcare services provided to treat illnesses or injuries.

  • She received excellent medical care at the hospital
  • Proper medical care is crucial for patients with chronic diseases
treatment

The process of providing medical or therapeutic care, specifically aimed at curing or alleviating a condition.

  • The treatment for his condition involves taking special medication
  • She is undergoing treatment for cancer
medicine

Refers to both the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease, as well as to substances used for treatment.

  • He decided to study medicine in college
  • Take this medicine twice a day for your cough

Examples of usage

  • The healthcare system is in need of reform.
  • She works in healthcare and helps people in need.
Context #2 | Verb

care for

Feel concern or interest; attach importance to something.

Synonyms

be concerned about, mind, value.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
care

Used when expressing concern or interest in the well-being of someone or something.

  • I care about you deeply
  • She takes care of her plants every day
be concerned about

Usually refers to a specific worry or issue that needs attention; can imply anxiety or worry.

  • He is concerned about his mother's health
  • Jane is concerned about the project's deadline
value

Used when showing appreciation or importance given to something or someone.

  • She values her friendship with him
  • The company values employee feedback
mind

Typically used when referring to paying attention to or being bothered by something, often in a negative sense.

  • Do you mind if I open the window? He doesn't mind working late

Examples of usage

  • I care deeply about the environment.
  • She cares for her elderly parents.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that showing care towards others enhances emotional well-being and creates stronger social bonds.
  • Caring for someone can release hormones like oxytocin, often referred to as the 'love hormone,' promoting feelings of trust and safety.
  • Acts of care can lead to the 'helper's high,' a feeling of happiness that comes from helping others.

Pop Culture

  • 'Care Bears' are a popular franchise illustrating the importance of caring and sharing among friends and family.
  • The song 'Careless Whisper' by George Michael expresses the regret and sorrow caused by not taking care in a relationship, highlighting emotional vulnerability.
  • Television shows like 'The Good Place' explore themes of care and moral philosophy, emphasizing how caring actions impact personal growth.

Health

  • Caring for mental health is just as crucial as physical health; practices like meditation and social support can improve overall well-being.
  • Nurses and caregivers play vital roles in healthcare, directly influencing recovery through their compassionate care for patients.
  • Many studies suggest that care-based approaches to healthcare, focusing on patient relationships, lead to better outcomes.

Literature

  • In literature, care often symbolizes the bond between characters, reflecting love, responsibility, and sacrifice.
  • Classic novels like 'Pride and Prejudice' demonstrate how misunderstandings arise from lack of care in relationships.
  • Poetry often captures the essence of care, portraying it as a profound force that shapes human experiences and connections.

Origin of 'care'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'care' comes from the Old English 'caru,' meaning grief or sorrow, showing that it can also reflect concern for others' feelings.
  • In Latin, 'cura' means care, which is the root for various words related to health and support in many languages.
  • The evolution of 'care' in Middle English included meanings of sorrow, indicating a shift towards compassion and love.

The word 'care' originated from the Old English word 'caru', meaning 'sorrow, anxiety, grief'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the concept of looking after, providing for, or showing concern. The word has been used in various contexts, from healthcare to emotional support, highlighting the importance of showing care and concern for others.


See also: career, carefree, careful, carefully, carefulness, caregiver, caregiving, careless, carelessly, carelessness, caress, caretaker, caretakers, caretaking, caring, caringly, overcareful, ultracareful, uncaring, uncaringly.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #314, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.