carefully
KAIRF-lee
Carefully (adverb) means In a way that pays close attention to avoid mistakes or harm. Example: “She carefully wrapped the fragile vase in bubble wrap.”
adverb
1
In a way that pays close attention to avoid mistakes or harm.
"She carefully wrapped the fragile vase in bubble wrap."
"Read the instructions carefully before assembling the shelf."
"The driver moved carefully along the icy road, keeping well below the speed limit."
How to use carefully
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing something with attention and caution.
Common pairings
listen carefully
carefully planned
tread carefully
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like carefully.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more carefully
- Superlative
- most carefully
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ wrapped the fragile vase in bubble wrap.
Etymology
From careful + -ly.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for carefully
See all rhymes for carefully →Frequently asked questions
What does “carefully” mean?
The word “carefully” means in a way that pays close attention to avoid mistakes or harm. In plain terms, doing something with attention and caution.
How do you pronounce “carefully”?
“Carefully” is pronounced KAIRF-lee (/ˈkɛɹf(ə)li/ in IPA).
How do you use “carefully” in a sentence?
Here is “carefully” used in a sentence: “She carefully wrapped the fragile vase in bubble wrap.”
What part of speech is “carefully”?
“Carefully” is an adverb.
Is “carefully” a common word?
“Carefully” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the opposite of carefully?
The main opposite is carelessly, acting without attention so that mistakes become likely. Depending on context, recklessly or hastily also serve as antonyms. If you fill a glass carefully you avoid a spill; doing it carelessly invites one. The word turns on the presence or absence of close attention.
What is the difference between carefully and cautiously?
Both involve care, but the focus differs. Doing something carefully means paying close attention to get it right and avoid mistakes. Doing it cautiously means being wary of danger or risk. You might write a letter carefully for accuracy but cross an icy road cautiously to stay safe. One guards quality, the other guards against harm.
What is an example of doing something carefully?
Threading a needle carefully means moving slowly and watching closely so the thread meets the eye. Other examples include carefully lifting a hot dish, carefully proofreading a report, or carefully wording an apology. In each case the person pays close attention to avoid a mistake, an accident, or causing harm.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include carefully:
