careful

UK: ˈkeə.fəl | US: ˈker.fəl

Definition

  1. adj. giving attention to avoiding danger or mistakes; cautious

  2. adj. done with thought and attention; thorough

Structure
care <concern>ful <full of>
Etymology

careful = care<concern> + ful<full of>

  • care (from Old English caru, meaning "sorrow, anxiety, concern")
  • ful (suffix from Old English -full, meaning "full of" or "characterized by")

Etymology Origin:
The word careful combines care, rooted in Old English caru, which originally conveyed emotional burden or vigilance, with the suffix -ful, indicating abundance. Over time, careful evolved to describe someone who is attentive or meticulous, reflecting a shift from emotional weight to proactive caution.

Examples

  1. Be careful when crossing the street.

  2. She gave a careful answer to avoid misunderstanding.

  3. The artist was careful with every brushstroke.

  4. He is careful about his diet and exercise.

  5. A careful review of the document revealed several errors.