Careful: meaning, definitions and examples

🔍

Add to dictionary

careful

[ˈkerfəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in daily life

giving close attention to detail; conscientious or attentive

Synonyms

attentive, cautious, prudent, vigilant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
careful	Used when describing someone who avoids making mistakes or causing harm by paying close attention. It is generally neutral. Be careful while driving on this icy road. She is very careful with handling old books.
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. She was cautious when walking through the dark alley. He made a cautious decision to wait for more information before investing.
prudent	Refers to someone who makes wise and sensible decisions by thinking about the future consequences of their actions. It is prudent to save money for unexpected expenses. Her prudent approach to business ensured continued success.
attentive	Often used to describe someone who is paying close and thoughtful attention to what is happening around them or what someone is saying. The teacher praised the student for being attentive during class. He was very attentive to the needs of his guests.
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. The security guard remained vigilant throughout the night. Parents should be vigilant about what their children are doing online.

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.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

in relationships

showing thought or attention; cautious in one's actions

Synonyms

attentive, considerate, tactful, thoughtful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
careful	Used when someone pays attention to detail to avoid mistakes or accidents. She was very careful when driving on the icy roads He always handles fragile items in a careful manner
considerate	Used to describe someone who is thoughtful of others' feelings and needs; being kind and polite. She was considerate enough to bring me a cup of tea He is very considerate towards his elderly neighbors
thoughtful	Used to describe someone who thinks about the needs and feelings of others; often involves doing kind and selfless acts. He gave her a thoughtful gift for her birthday She wrote a thoughtful message in the card
attentive	Used when someone is fully engaged in listening or observing, often in a supportive or considerate way. The teacher was attentive to her students' needs He is always attentive during meetings
tactful	Used when someone is sensitive and diplomatic, especially in dealing with difficult or delicate situations. He offered a tactful response to her criticism She is known for her tactful handling of customer complaints

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.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

in handling objects

done with or showing thought and attention

Synonyms

diligent, meticulous, precise, thorough.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
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. He is always very careful when driving in the rain. Be careful with that vase; it's very fragile.
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. The artist was meticulous in adding the final touches to his painting. Her meticulous planning ensured the event went off without a hitch.
precise	This word fits when describing something that is very accurate and exact, often involving measurements, scientific work, or detail-oriented tasks. The instructions were so precise that there was no room for error. His precise calculation saved the company thousands of dollars.
diligent	This word is suitable when describing someone who shows persistent effort and attention to detail, especially in their work or studies. She is a diligent student who always completes her homework on time. His diligent work on the project impressed the entire team.
thorough	Choose this word for describing a situation where something is done completely and with great care, leaving no part unfinished or overlooked. The doctor conducted a thorough examination of the patient. She gave a thorough cleaning to every corner of the house.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "careful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cuidadoso

🇮🇳 सावधान

🇩🇪 vorsichtig

🇮🇩 berhati-hati

🇺🇦 обережний

🇵🇱 ostrożny

🇯🇵 注意深い (chūi bukai)

🇫🇷 prudent

🇪🇸 cuidadoso

🇹🇷 dikkatli

🇰🇷 조심스러운 (josimseureoun)

🇸🇦 حذر (ḥaḏir)

🇨🇿 opatrný

🇸🇰 opatrný

🇨🇳 小心 (xiǎoxīn)

🇸🇮 previden

🇮🇸 varkár

🇰🇿 сақ

🇬🇪 ფრთხილი (prtkhili)

🇦🇿 ehtiyatlı

🇲🇽 cuidadoso

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,785, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

...
1782 acting
1783 introduction
1784 everyone
1785 careful
1786 walk
1787 southern
1788 concrete
...