Careful: Meaning, Examples, and How to Use It

Meaning 1：cautious (careful)

careful 🔊

/ˈkeərfəl/

adj.

Paying close attention to avoid mistakes or accidents.

cautious 🔊

➕

/ˈkɔːʃəs/

adj.

Being attentive and cautious in order to prevent errors or harm.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：beginner

📖 Root Explanation

From 'care' (concern) + suffix '-ful' (full of), meaning 'full of care or caution'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'full of care' — if you are full of care, you are careful.

📖 Example

Be careful with the hot soup, it just came out of the microwave. 🔊 Be careful with the hot soup, it just came out of the microwave.

🔗 Collocations

be careful with – to handle with caution

careful attention – close and focused observation

careful consideration – thoughtful and thorough thinking

🔄 Synonyms

cautious (adj.) – Being careful to avoid potential dangers or problems.

attentive (adj.) – Paying close attention to something.

watchful (adj.) – Alert and vigilant, especially to avoid trouble.

🚫 Antonyms

careless (adj.) – Not giving sufficient attention or thought to avoid harm or errors.

reckless (adj.) – Showing a lack of care about danger and the possible results of actions.

negligent (adj.) – Failing to take proper care in doing something.

🌱 Derivatives

carefulness (n.) – The quality of being careful.

carefully (adv.) – In a careful manner.

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Old English 'cārfull' (full of care). Used for centuries in cautionary advice, from medieval texts to modern warning labels.