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carefully

carefully

978 1.0
In a way that shows attention and caution to avoid mistakes or harm
  • adverb
  • /ˈkɛrfəli/
translation icon : cuidadosamente
  • She carefully placed the fragile vase on the shelf to avoid any accidents.
  • consider carefully
  • listen carefully
  • choose carefully

Ideas can be aired with a few carefully justified exceptions.

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Examples

  • Then I suggest you think very carefully about the next words that come out of your mouth, Captain.

  • Listen very carefully, ask questions and make good eye contact.

  • Now please watch carefully and listen as well.

  • You have to write this carefully to deal with this point.

  • All right, so let's go ahead and carefully go through this proof.

  • Choose your next words very carefully.

  • Everyone, close your eyes and listen carefully to the following sequence of sounds.

    Academic text (2011)
  • There are many advantages to using carefully planned visuals as part of a presentation.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Even in these cases, however, prospective members are carefully vetted before being admitted.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The challenge must then be carefully defined so that it aligns with the objectives of the course.

    Academic text (2011)

Synonyms

safely
vscarefully
473 1.0

In a way that does not cause harm

includes carefulness but is specifically about safety from harm
closely
vscarefully
269 1.4

With careful attention to small details

is more general, covering caution and careful action as well
cautiously
vscarefully
70 2.3

To do something in a careful way to avoid danger or mistakes

includes careful attention but is broader than only avoiding danger
delicately
vscarefully
44 3.7

Gently and carefully to avoid hurting people or breaking things

is broader, meaning careful action that may not be gentle
thoughtfully
vscarefully
43 3.7

In a careful way that shows you pay attention before deciding

can be careful through action as well as through prior thought
meticulously
vscarefully
32 8.3

With great care and close attention to small details

is less strict about precision and can be more general care
gingerly
vscarefully
23 4.6

In a very careful, slow way to avoid damage or getting hurt

covers careful action generally, not only cautious physical movement
painstakingly
vscarefully
20 6.0

With great care and attention to small details

can mean careful action without the same emphasis on long effort
sensibly
vscarefully
15 3.7

In a way that shows good judgment and practical choices

leans more toward careful attention or caution rather than mere practicality
attentively
vscarefully
9 3.0

With care and strong focus on what you see or hear

is broader, including caution or careful technique not only attention
prudently
vscarefully
8 5.0

In a careful way to avoid future problems

is the general act of showing care or caution in actions
scrupulously
vscarefully
7 6.9

Act in a very careful and honest way that notices small details

covers ordinary carefulness without necessarily implying moral concern
judiciously
vscarefully
7 6.5

In a careful, thoughtful way that makes good choices

focuses on careful conduct itself rather than judgment behind it
with kid gloves
vscarefully
  • Informal
6 7.3

To treat someone very carefully so you do not upset them

is about careful action generally, not only social tact or gentleness
conscientiously
vscarefully
5 5.4

To do something carefully because you feel responsible

is broader, covering any careful act not only duty-driven work
advisedly
vscarefully
  • Formal
3 7.4

In a careful way after thinking about what might happen

is more general, meaning careful action without planned intention
mindfully
vscarefully
2 3.9

Carefully and with full attention to what you do

is less about intention and more about general care or caution
fastidiously
vscarefully
2 7.7

In a careful way that pays attention to small details and keeps things clean

is broader, covering general carefulness beyond meticulous detail
punctiliously
vscarefully
  • Formal
1 9.1

With very careful attention to small details and correct behavior

is the general act of care without strict rule adherence
heedfully
vscarefully
1 7.4

Carefully and with close attention

covers carefulness more widely, not only alert attention to risk
watchfully
vscarefully
1 3.2

In a careful way while looking for danger or sudden movement

emphasizes general carefulness beyond vigilance for threats
circumspectly
vscarefully
  • Formal
1 8.3

To act carefully after thinking about possible problems and results

is about careful action or attention without always weighing consequences
prudentially
vscarefully
  • Formal
1 7.7

In a careful, sensible way to avoid risk

is not limited to practical or financial contexts
observantly
vscarefully
4.9

In a careful way that notices small details

is broader, including caution and careful action not only observation
consideringly
vscarefully
5.8

In a thoughtful way that shows care for others

focuses on careful action generally, not mainly on others' feelings
measuredly
vscarefully
6.6

In a careful, slow way without hurry

includes carefulness but also covers faster careful actions when needed

Antonyms

30 4.6

In a way that shows no care about danger or the results

20 1.0

In a way that you do something without thinking or paying attention

How Careful

scrupulously
7 6.9
meticulously
32 8.3
carefully
978 1.0
cautiously
70 2.3
attentively
9 3.0

Surface Forms

carefully positive

Morphology

carefully = careful (transparent) = care + ful + ly

Standard adverb formation from 'careful' using the productive suffix '-ly', preserving the adjective meaning.

Etymology

The word carefully comes from the simple word care ('attention' or 'worry') plus -ful and -ly, like the word careful. It literally means 'in a way full of care', so to do something carefully is to do it with attention and caution.