careful

Paying close attention to avoid danger, damage, or mistakes.

• Be careful with that knife.
• She was careful not to wake the baby.
• Are you always this careful when crossing roads?

How to use it: careful with something (Be careful with the glass.); careful not to do something (He was careful not to slip.); careful about something (Be careful about sharing your address.)

Similar words: cautious

Opposites: careless

Common phrases: be careful, careful with something, careful when driving

Done with close attention to every detail, so that nothing is missed or done badly.

• The plan needs careful thought.
• A careful search revealed the missing ring.
• Her careful measurements helped us build the shelf.

Similar words: thorough, meticulous

Opposites: careless

Common phrases: careful planning, careful study, careful examination