How Do You Spell CAREFUL?

Pronunciation: [kˈe͡əfə͡l] (IPA)

The word "careful" is spelled with the letters C-A-R-E-F-U-L. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is represented as /ˈkɛrfəl/. The /k/ sound at the beginning of the word is made by cupping the tongue against the roof of the mouth and forcefully releasing air. The vowel sound in the first syllable is a short e sound /ɛ/, while the second syllable is spelled with a silent e. The final syllable has an /f/ sound that transitions to a /l/ sound.

CAREFUL Meaning and Definition

  1. Careful, an adjective, refers to a quality or behavior characterized by cautiousness, meticulousness, or attentiveness in one's actions, thoughts, or decisions. It is used to describe someone who exercises great caution or prudence and pays close attention to details or potential risks in order to avoid mistakes, accidents, or harm.

    Being careful implies being thoughtful and deliberate in one's actions, taking into account potential consequences or dangers. It involves a heightened sense of awareness and an ability to anticipate and prevent mishaps or undesirable outcomes. A careful individual is typically cautious and takes necessary precautions to ensure safety and accuracy.

    Careful can also describe someone who is mindful or considerate of others. In this sense, it implies thoughtfulness, gentleness, and sensitivity towards the feelings or needs of others. Such a person is empathetic and takes extra care not to cause harm or offense.

    Furthermore, the term careful is often associated with actions or behaviors that demonstrate prudence or wisdom. It suggests an organized and methodical approach, where one thinks ahead and evaluates the potential risks or consequences before making decisions or taking steps forward.

    Overall, being careful involves a combination of attentiveness, prudence, mindfulness, and consideration for both oneself and others. It is a quality that is of utmost importance in various aspects of life, ranging from personal safety to professional success.

  2. • Full of concern; attentive to; watchful; cantious.
    • See care.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for CAREFUL *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for CAREFUL

Etymology of CAREFUL

The word "careful" originated from the Old English word "cǣrfull" which was a combination of the words "cǣr" meaning "sorrow" or "affliction", and "full" meaning "full of" or "filled". Therefore, the original meaning of "careful" was "full of sorrow" or "filled with anxiety". Over time, the word's meaning transformed and the term "careful" began to signify the act of being cautious, attentive, or taking care.

Idioms with the word CAREFUL

  • careful not to do sth The idiom "careful not to do something" means being cautious or taking care to avoid doing a particular action or making a mistake. It implies being mindful and aware of the consequences that might arise from a specific action, and actively making an effort to prevent it from happening.
  • careful (with sth) The idiom "be careful (with something)" means to exhibit caution, precision, or attentiveness when handling or dealing with something. It implies being aware of potential dangers, risks, or consequences and taking necessary precautions to avoid any negative outcome.
  • Be careful The idiom "Be careful" means to exercise caution or pay attention to avoid potential danger, harm, or mistakes. It is often used as a warning or advice to someone to take necessary precautions in a particular situation.
  • careful with money The idiom "careful with money" refers to someone who is prudent, frugal, or cautious in managing and spending their finances. It indicates a person who exercises carefulness, thoughtfulness, and restraint when it comes to monetary matters and budgets.
  • you can’t be too careful The idiom "you can't be too careful" is used to express the idea that it is important to exercise caution and not take unnecessary risks in order to avoid any potential harm or negative consequences. It emphasizes the need for being extra cautious or vigilant in various situations.
  • be careful not to (do something) The idiom "be careful not to (do something)" means to exercise caution or cautionary measures in order to avoid or prevent a specific action or outcome. It implies the need to remain attentive, aware, and take extra care in order to prevent an unwanted or potentially harmful situation from occurring.
  • careful not to do something The idiom "careful not to do something" means to exercise caution or be cautious in order to avoid doing something. It implies being mindful of one's actions and making sure to refrain from a specific action or behavior.
  • careful (with something) The idiom "careful (with something)" means exercising cautious behavior or handling something with great attention and precision. It implies being mindful of potential risks or consequences and taking steps to avoid accidents or mistakes.
  • careful not to do The idiom "careful not to do" means being cautious and avoiding a specific action or behavior. It implies being mindful and taking precautions to prevent oneself from engaging in an undesired or potentially harmful action.
  • If you can't be good, be careful. The idiom "If you can't be good, be careful" means that if one is unable to behave or act in a morally proper or acceptable manner, they should at least take precautions to avoid any negative consequences or harm that might result from their actions. It suggests choosing the lesser of two undesirable options when one is unable to choose the ideal.
  • you can't be too careful The idiom "you can't be too careful" means that it is wise to exercise caution and be very careful, even in situations where the risk seems minimal. It emphasizes the importance of taking precautions and not underestimating potential dangers or risks.
  • be good, and if you can't be good, be careful The idiom "be good, and if you can't be good, be careful" essentially advises individuals to act responsibly and morally. If it is not possible to always be virtuous, it then emphasizes the importance of exercising caution and making sensible choices to avoid negative consequences.

Similar spelling words for CAREFUL

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