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Definition of carefully

carefully

/ˈkɛrfəli/
care · ful · ly
Adjective:careful
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carefully Lexical Profile

carefully Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a way that deliberately avoids potential harm, danger, error, or damage; with caution and prudence.

Example

"She drove carefully along the winding mountain road during the heavy rainstorm."

2

With thorough, painstaking attention to detail and accuracy.

Example

"The archivist examined the fragile medieval manuscript carefully before cataloging its contents."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for carefully

• Rhymes for carefully

• Nearby Words

carefree
carefreeness
careful
carefully
carefulness
caregiver
caregiving

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English cearfullic ('anxiously, mournfully'), formed from cearful ('careful') and the adverbial suffix -lice ('-ly'). Over the Middle English period, the primary sense shifted from 'full of grief or anxiety' to 'exercising caution and close attention.'

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Carefully. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/carefully
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