carefully

Meanings

1. 1adverb

   In a way that shows close attention to avoid mistakes, damage, or harm.

   Grammar: Modifies a verb, often placed after it or before it for emphasis: She drove carefully. / She carefully avoided the subject.

   Patterns

   • do something carefully
   • carefully consider something
   • handle something carefully

   She listened carefully to every word of the instructions.

   He carefully placed the glass on the edge of the table.

   The report was carefully checked for errors before it was sent.

2. 2adverb

   With deliberate attention to detail; not hastily or roughly.

   Grammar: Often used to contrast with doing something quickly or carelessly; can modify verbs of thinking, planning, or examining.

   Patterns

   • think carefully about something
   • plan something carefully
   • read something carefully

   Think carefully before you make a final decision.

   The project was carefully planned from the start.

   She read the contract carefully and asked several questions.

Common combinations

listen carefully

Please listen carefully to the safety announcement.

handle with care

This box contains glass, so handle it carefully.

carefully consider

The committee will carefully consider all the applications.

drive carefully

Drive carefully — the roads are icy tonight.

carefully worded

Her statement was carefully worded to avoid any blame.

Synonyms and how they differ

cautiously

Suggests avoiding danger or risk; carefully is broader and can also mean with attention to detail.

attentively

Focuses on paying close attention, especially when listening or watching, rather than on avoiding harm.

thoroughly

Emphasizes completeness and detail; carefully can be about physical caution as well.

Opposites

Word family

careful adjective

Giving close attention to what you are doing.

care noun

Attention and concern; also the act of looking after someone or something.

careless adjective

Not giving enough attention; likely to cause mistakes or damage.

carelessly adverb

In a way that shows a lack of attention or caution.

Commonly confused: carefully or carelessly?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “carefully”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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