carelessly

UK: ˈkeələsli | US: ˈkerləsli

Definition

  1. adv. without attention or thought; in a negligent or reckless manner

  2. adv. in a way that shows lack of concern or consideration

Structure
care <concern>less <without>ly <adverb suffix>
Etymology

The word "carelessly" is built from three morphemes:

  1. "Care" (from Old English "caru," meaning "sorrow, anxiety, or concern")
  2. "Less" (from Old English "-lēas," a suffix meaning "without" or "lacking")
  3. "Ly" (from Old English "-līce," an adverbial suffix indicating manner)

The progression is logical: "care" (concern) + "less" (absence) + "ly" (how an action is performed) → "without concern." Over time, it evolved to describe actions done thoughtlessly or negligently.

Examples

  1. He carelessly tossed his keys onto the table without looking.

  2. She signed the contract carelessly, missing several important clauses.

  3. The artist painted carelessly, leaving streaks and smudges everywhere.

  4. Driving carelessly can lead to serious accidents.

  5. He spoke carelessly, not realizing how his words might hurt others.