English Reference

Word

care

US/ˈkɛɹ/

UK/kˈeə/

Definitions

01attention and effort

A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun

n. the effort you put into doing something well so you do not make mistakes.

n. serious attention or effort applied to avoid damage, risk, or error.

“Please handle the glass vase with care so it doesn't break.”

“The restorer treated the ancient manuscript with immense care, using specialized tools to prevent the fragile parchment from tearing further.”

Pitfall

You must do it with a care.

You must do it with care.

In this sense, 'care' is uncountable and does not take an article.

02looking after someone

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the process of protecting someone or something and providing what they need.

n. the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of someone or something.

“The puppy was left in the care of a neighbor while the family was away.”

“The patient remained under the constant care of a dedicated medical team throughout the recovery period.”

Antonyms

03worries

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Literary

n. the things that make you feel anxious or troubled.

n. a state of mind filled with anxiety or the causes of such anxiety.

“She looked like a woman without a care in the world as she sat by the sea.”

“He walked away from the office, determined to leave his professional cares behind for the duration of the weekend.”

Antonyms

04to feel concern

A2 · Elementary

v. to feel that something is important or to be worried about it.

v. to feel concern, interest, or importance regarding a particular matter.

“I don't really care about the color of the car as long as it works.”

“Many citizens care deeply about the environmental impact of the new highway, despite the promised economic benefits.”

Usage

Usually used with the preposition 'about'.

Synonyms

Antonyms

05to look after

B1 · Intermediate

v. to provide for the needs of someone, like a child or a sick person.

v. to provide physical or emotional support and maintenance for someone or something.

“She spent many years caring for her elderly parents at home.”

“The charity was established to care for abandoned animals and find them permanent homes within the local community.”

Usage

Always used with the preposition 'for'.

Synonyms

Antonyms

06to want or like

B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal

v. a polite way to ask if someone wants something.

v. to have an inclination or desire for something; used in polite offers or negative preferences.

“Would you care for a cup of tea before we start the meeting?”

“The senator did not care to comment on the allegations until the full report had been released to the public.”

Usage

Followed by 'for' plus a noun, or 'to' plus a verb.

Synonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “care” in context.

01. care professional 02. care system 03. mental care 04. primary care

Word family

Related words

Idioms

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Very common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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English Reference