A2adjective 1K

Careful

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈkeəfl/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈkerfl/"]/

Meaning of Careful

giving attention or thought to what you are doing so that you avoid hurting yourself, damaging something or doing something wrong

In simple words: Taking care to avoid mistakes or accidents.

Careful in a sentence

• Please be careful when you cross the street.
• She is very careful about keeping her room tidy.
• He handled the fragile vase with careful hands.
• Be careful not to spill your drink on the carpet.
• The careful planning of the event ensured its success.

How to use Careful

Use 'careful' when describing someone who pays attention to detail. It's appropriate in most situations, but avoid it in very casual conversations where slang is preferred.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'care' in 'careful' — to be careful, you show care.

Related words

Collocations with Careful

• be
• make somebody
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• about
• of
• with

Synonyms for Careful

• cautious
• prudent
• attentive
• meticulous
• diligent

Opposites of Careful

• careless
• reckless

Common mistakes with Careful

• Confusing 'careful' with 'carefree', which means not worried.
• Using 'carefull' instead of 'careful' (double L mistake).
• Saying 'be careful on' instead of 'be careful with' when giving advice.

Frequently asked questions about Careful

What does Careful mean?

Taking care to avoid mistakes or accidents.

What is the definition of Careful?

giving attention or thought to what you are doing so that you avoid hurting yourself, damaging something or doing something wrong

How do you use Careful in a sentence?

Please be careful when you cross the street.

Can you give another example of Careful?

She is very careful about keeping her room tidy.

What are synonyms for Careful?

Common alternatives include cautious, prudent, attentive, meticulous, diligent.

What is the opposite of Careful?

Opposite meanings include careless, reckless.

What words go with Careful?

It commonly pairs with be, make somebody, extremely, fairly, very, about, of, with.

What are common mistakes when using Careful?

Confusing 'careful' with 'carefree', which means not worried. Using 'carefull' instead of 'careful' (double L mistake). Saying 'be careful on' instead of 'be careful with' when giving advice.

How do you pronounce Careful?

US: /["/ˈkerfl/"]/, UK: /["/ˈkeəfl/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Careful?

Use 'careful' when describing someone who pays attention to detail. It's appropriate in most situations, but avoid it in very casual conversations where slang is preferred.

What CEFR level is Careful?

"Careful" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.