/ ˈkeəfl; NAmE ˈkerfl/ adjective
1.
[ not before noun ] careful (to do sth) | careful (not to do sth) | careful (when / what / how, etc.) | careful (of / about / with sth) giving attention or thought to what you are doing so that you avoid hurting yourself, damaging sth or doing sth wrong :
Be careful!
He was careful to keep out of sight.
Be careful not to wake the baby.
You must be careful when handling chemicals.
Be careful of the traffic.
Please be careful with my glasses (= Don't break them) .
Be careful you don't bump your head.
2.
giving a lot of attention to details :
a careful piece of work
a careful examination of the facts
After careful consideration we have decided to offer you the job.
OPP careless
► care·ful·ly / ˈkeəfəli; NAmE ˈker-/ adverb :
Please listen carefully.
She put the glass down carefully.
Drive carefully.
OPP carelessly
► care·ful·ness noun [ U ]
•
IDIOMS
- you can't be too careful
- careful with money
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English carful (see care , -ful ).