Langimage
English

careful

|care-ful|

B1

🇺🇸

/ˈkerfəl/

🇬🇧

/ˈkeəfəl/

cautious attention

Etymology
Etymology Information

'careful' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'carful,' where 'car' meant 'sorrow' and '-ful' meant 'full of.'

Historical Evolution

'carful' changed from Old English word 'carful' and eventually became the modern English word 'careful.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'full of sorrow,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'exercising caution.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

exercising caution or showing attention to detail.

She was careful not to spill the coffee.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

done with precision and attention to detail.

He made a careful examination of the documents.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35