Careful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
careful
[หkerfษl ]
Definitions
in daily life
giving close attention to detail; conscientious or attentive
Synonyms
attentive, cautious, prudent, vigilant.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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careful |
Used when describing someone who avoids making mistakes or causing harm by paying close attention. It is generally neutral.
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cautious |
Implies a higher level of carefulness due to the presence of possible risks or dangers. It can sometimes suggest a reluctance to take risks.
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prudent |
Refers to someone who makes wise and sensible decisions by thinking about the future consequences of their actions.
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attentive |
Often used to describe someone who is paying close and thoughtful attention to what is happening around them or what someone is saying.
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vigilant |
Describes someone who is very alert and watchful, especially because of potential danger or issues. It often implies a continuous and active state of alertness.
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Examples of usage
- She is a careful driver, always checking her mirrors before changing lanes.
- He is very careful with his money, always saving a portion of his salary each month.
in relationships
showing thought or attention; cautious in one's actions
Synonyms
attentive, considerate, tactful, thoughtful.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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careful |
Used when someone pays attention to detail to avoid mistakes or accidents.
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considerate |
Used to describe someone who is thoughtful of others' feelings and needs; being kind and polite.
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thoughtful |
Used to describe someone who thinks about the needs and feelings of others; often involves doing kind and selfless acts.
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attentive |
Used when someone is fully engaged in listening or observing, often in a supportive or considerate way.
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tactful |
Used when someone is sensitive and diplomatic, especially in dealing with difficult or delicate situations.
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Examples of usage
- He was careful not to hurt her feelings when he declined her invitation.
- She is careful to always listen to her partner's concerns.
in handling objects
done with or showing thought and attention
Synonyms
diligent, meticulous, precise, thorough.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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careful |
This word is often used when someone makes an effort to avoid mistakes or accidents, particularly in situations that require extra attention or caution.
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meticulous |
Use this term for situations where someone pays extreme attention to detail and ensures everything is done exactly right. This often involves a high degree of precision.
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precise |
This word fits when describing something that is very accurate and exact, often involving measurements, scientific work, or detail-oriented tasks.
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diligent |
This word is suitable when describing someone who shows persistent effort and attention to detail, especially in their work or studies.
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thorough |
Choose this word for describing a situation where something is done completely and with great care, leaving no part unfinished or overlooked.
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Examples of usage
- She wrapped the fragile item carefully to ensure it wouldn't break during transport.
- The surgeon performed the operation with careful precision.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Being careful is often linked to the idea of risk assessment, where people weigh the potential dangers before acting.
- Studies show that careful individuals tend to make better decisions and experience fewer regrets.
- In psychology, a careful approach can lead to increased mindfulness, which enhances focus on the present moment.
Safety
- In safety training, being careful is emphasized to prevent accidents and ensure well-being.
- Careful behaviors are crucial in high-risk environments, like construction sites, to protect workers.
- The concept of being careful is deeply connected to teachings in first aid and emergency response, highlighting the importance of awareness.
Culture
- Many cultures promote the idea of being careful through proverbs, such as 'measure twice, cut once' in woodworking.
- In various traditions, being careful can be tied to respect for life, with the belief that carefulness reflects good character.
- In East Asian cultures, carefulness often signifies harmony and respect for others, showing how individual actions impact the community.
Literature
- In literature, characters known for being careful often face dilemmas that test their cautious nature.
- Careful protagonists may navigate treacherous plots, reflecting the theme of vigilance versus impulsiveness.
- Classical works frequently portray carefulness as a virtue, contrasting it with recklessness to highlight moral lessons.
Origin of 'careful'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'careful' comes from the Old English 'carful', which means 'full of care'.
- It is formed from 'care' (to be concerned) and the suffix '-ful' meaning 'full of'.
- The notion of being 'careful' dates back centuries, highlighting the value of caution in language.
The word 'careful' originated from the Old English word 'carful', which meant full of care. Over time, the word evolved to its current form, retaining its essence of being attentive and cautious. The concept of being careful has been valued in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors, highlighting the importance of thoughtful consideration and attention to detail.
See also: care, career, carefree, carefully, carefulness, caregiver, caregiving, careless, carelessly, carelessness, caress, caretaker, caretakers, caretaking, caring, caringly, overcareful, ultracareful, uncaring, uncaringly.