carefully
/ˈkeə.fəl.i/ IELTSAcademic
adverb
In a careful way, with attention to detail, safety, or accuracy. It means you do something slowly enough to avoid mistakes or damage.
- Read the instructions carefully.
- She carefully placed the glass on the table.
- Please choose your words carefully.
Adinary Nuance
Carefully is more about the way an action is done than about the feeling behind it. It is often stronger and more practical than “slowly” or “gently,” because it suggests attention and control. Use it when you want to show caution, accuracy, or close attention.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- cẩn thận
- Spanish
- cuidadosamente
- Chinese
- 小心地
- Japanese
- 注意深く
- Korean
- 조심스럽게
Etymology
Carefully comes from the adjective careful, which became common in Middle English. It is formed with the adverb ending -ly, from Old English roots linked to worry and attention.
Common phrases
read carefullylisten carefullythink carefullyhandle carefully
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is carefully formal or informal?
- It is neutral. You can use it in everyday speech, school writing, and business emails.
- What is the difference between carefully and slowly?
- Slowly means not fast. Carefully means with attention to avoid mistakes or harm.
- Can I use carefully in academic writing?
- Yes. It is common in instructions, reports, and formal advice.
- Is carefully the same as cautiously?
- Not exactly. Cautiously focuses more on avoiding danger; carefully also includes accuracy and attention.