- careful
- care|ful [ `kerfl ] adjective ***1. ) if someone is careful, they think about what they are doing so that they do not do anything wrong or so that they avoid problems:Teachers have to be careful when criticizing pupils.Even the most careful proofreader will miss the occasional error.careful who/what/how: You must be careful who you accept a lift from.careful (that): Be careful that the medicine is kept away from children.careful about: People should be more careful about the things they say.be careful to do something: She was careful to keep her records up to date.a ) trying hard not to cause harm or damage:careful with: Please be very careful with those plates!b ) used about someone's actions:The project needs careful planning.After careful consideration, we are giving the prize to a children's book.She took a few careful steps into the water.2. ) spending money only when it is necessary:We're going to have to be more careful now that Dad's lost his job.be careful with (your) money: She's always been careful with money.a ) used humorously about someone who is not as generous with money as they should be(be) careful SPOKENused for telling someone to pay attention, for example in order to avoid an accident:There's some ice there be careful!Careful, Peter! You'll fall!if someone isn't careful SPOKENused for warning or threatening someone:If you're not careful, you'll break it.you can't be too careful SPOKENused for saying that it is important not to take risks╾ care|ful|ly adverb:a carefully worded letterHe washed the antique plates very carefully.
Usage of the words and phrases in modern English. 2013.