adjective
careful
KAIRFL
adjective
1
Paying close attention to avoid mistakes, danger, or harm.
"Be careful crossing that busy road."
"She gave the report a careful read before submitting it."
2
Done with great attention to detail; thorough and precise.
"The museum used careful restoration techniques on the painting."
"His careful planning meant nothing was left to chance."
How to Use Careful
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTaking pains to avoid errors or danger, or done with real attention to detail.
Common pairings
be careful
careful planning
a careful examination
Word Forms
more careful comparative, most careful superlative
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Etymology
From Old English carful, from care + -ful ("full of").