careful

Careful is an adjective describing actions, people, or situations characterized by caution, diligence, and attention to detail to avoid harm or error. It can refer to thoroughness in planning or chores, as well as to the manner in which something is performed. The related adverb is carefully, and the noun form is carefulness.

Etymology: careful derives from Old English carful, from care meaning concern or anxiety, with the suffix -ful indicating "full of." The sense has broadened from care as concern to a sense of measured caution in conduct.

Usage: In everyday language, careful describes caution in physical safety (a careful driver), precision in work (a careful analysis), and prudent handling of valuables or information (a careful summary, careful with data). It is often used with verbs such as be, feel, or act, and with prepositional phrases like careful of, careful with, or careful about. The command form be careful can signal warning or advice.

Nuances: Being careful implies intentional attention and avoidance of risk. It does not necessarily imply fear or hesitation; it can also convey responsibility and thoroughness. The opposite is careless; careless implies a lack of attention or disregard for potential consequences.

See also: carefulness; carefully; careful with; prudent; vigilant; cautious.