careful

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkɛːfʊl, -f(ə)l/

adjective

  • 1making sure of avoiding potential danger, mishap, or harm; cautious: I begged him to be more careful be careful not to lose her address
  • (careful of/about) anxious to protect (something) from harm or loss; solicitous: he was very careful of his reputation
  • prudent in the use of something, especially money: his mother had always been careful with money
  • 2done with or showing thought and attention: a careful consideration of the facts

Derivatives

carefully

adverb

carefulness

noun

Origin:

Old English carful (see care, -ful)

Spelling help

Remember that the ending of careful is spelled with a single l; it is made up of the word care plus the suffix (ending) -ful.