Definition of careful

competent Definition: (adjective) having the skill and knowledge needed for a particular task; capable Petersons.com

Add Word of the Day to your personalized My Yahoo! page: About My Yahoo! and RSS »

Email this page to a friend

< carefree

caregiver >

care·ful    (kârfl) KEY  

ADJECTIVE:

1. Attentive to potential danger, error, or harm; cautious: was careful when crossing the busy street; gave a careful answer.
2. Thorough and painstaking in action or execution; conscientious: a careful search; careful art restorers.
3. Protective; solicitous: Be careful of his feelings.
4. Full of cares or anxiety: "Thou art careful and troubled about many things" (Luke 10:41).

OTHER FORMS:
careful·ly (Adverb), careful·ness (Noun)

SYNONYMS:
careful , heedful , mindful , observant , watchful

These adjectives mean cautiously attentive: was careful not to get her shoes muddy; heedful of the danger; mindful of his health; observant of the patient's symptoms; a watchful babysitter. See also Synonyms at meticulous.
Antonym: careless

Visit our partner's site

	Provided by Houghton Mifflin eReference -- Download this interactive reference software to your desktop computer

Search Dictionary:

More on Yahoo! Education

• Online and On-Campus Degree Programs     MBAs  -  Technology Management  -  Education  -  Health  -  More  • College & Grad School - A Comprehensive Guide     College Search  -  Test Prep  -  Application Tips  -  Scholarship Search