careful
gb/kˈɛɹfəl/ us/kˈɛɹfəl/
A2
English
~ 1900
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
Taking care to avoid harm or errors
Using a lot of attention so that you do not make mistakes or cause harm.
Usage pattern:
to be careful [when/with/about something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'careful' with 'careless' due to similar spelling but opposite meanings.
Synonyms
cautious (Emphasizes awareness of possible danger and acting slowly or deliberately.)
|
attentive (Focuses more on paying close attention, not necessarily to avoid harm.)
Antonyms
careless (Not giving enough attention or thought, often resulting in mistakes or harm.)
Collocations
careful planning
|careful consideration
|be careful with
|careful attention
|careful examination
Themes
daily life
|safety
|work
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Be careful when crossing the busy street.
- She was careful to lock all the doors before leaving.
- We need to be careful about how we spend our budget.
- He is always careful with his words during meetings.
- Please be careful not to spill the coffee.
Learner examples
- Be careful with that knife.
- He is careful when he drives.
- Please be careful with my phone.
- She is careful about what she eats.
adjective
B1
property
2
Paying close attention to detail
Doing something with a lot of thought and detail so it is correct.
Usage pattern:
a careful [plan/study/examination]
Common mistake:
Learners may use 'careful' here when 'detailed' is more precise; context matters.
Synonyms
meticulous (Stronger sense of extreme attention to detail.)
|
thorough (Emphasizes completeness more than caution.)
Antonyms
sloppy (Careless and lacking in attention to detail.)
Collocations
careful analysis
|careful research
|careful consideration
|careful preparation
Themes
work
|study
|quality
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The report was the result of careful research.
- He gave the matter careful thought before deciding.
- We made a careful study of the market trends.
- Her careful handwriting was easy to read.
Learner examples
- He did a careful check of the work.
- We made a careful plan for the trip.
- She gave a careful answer to the question.
Grammar
Dictionary form
careful
IPA
GB/kˈɛɹfəl/
US/kˈɛɹfəl/
Syllables & stress
care - ful (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (care)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: careful
Word family
Related words
caring
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
carefulness
noun
Expressions
be careful with your words
1/bˈi kˈɛɹfəl wˈɪθ jˈʊɹ wˈɚdz/
fixed phrase
Speak cautiously to avoid problems
Think before you speak so you don't upset someone or cause problems.
Examples
- Be careful with your words during the meeting; the topic is sensitive.
- He was careful with his words when talking to the press.
careful consideration
1/kˈɛɹfəl kənsˌɪdɚˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Thorough thought before deciding
Thinking a lot about something before making a decision.
Examples
- After careful consideration, we decided to move forward with the plan.
- The offer will be accepted only after careful consideration.
be careful what you wish for
1/bˈi kˈɛɹfəl wˈʌt jˈu wˈɪʃ fɚ/
idiom
Warning that desires may backfire
Used to warn someone that they might not like what happens if they get what they want.
Examples
- You want more responsibility? Be careful what you wish for—it might be more work than you think.
- He wanted fame, but now he hates the attention—be careful what you wish for.
- She got the promotion, but now she's stressed all the time. Be careful what you wish for.
- Be careful what you wish for; winning the lottery isn't always a blessing.