care
n. · v.-
1 attention and effort (n.) A2 Elementarythe effort you put into doing something well so you do not make mistakes.
serious attention or effort applied to avoid damage, risk, or error.
ExamplePlease handle the glass vase with care so it doesn't break.
ExampleThe restorer treated the ancient manuscript with immense care, using specialized tools to prevent the fragile parchment from tearing further.
PitfallYou must do it with a care.You must do it with care.In this sense, 'care' is uncountable and does not take an article.
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2 looking after someone (n.) B1 Intermediatethe process of protecting someone or something and providing what they need.
the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of someone or something.
ExampleThe puppy was left in the care of a neighbor while the family was away.
ExampleThe patient remained under the constant care of a dedicated medical team throughout the recovery period.
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3 worries (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Literarythe things that make you feel anxious or troubled.
a state of mind filled with anxiety or the causes of such anxiety.
ExampleShe looked like a woman without a care in the world as she sat by the sea.
ExampleHe walked away from the office, determined to leave his professional cares behind for the duration of the weekend.
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4 to feel concern (v.) A2 Elementaryto feel that something is important or to be worried about it.
to feel concern, interest, or importance regarding a particular matter.
ExampleI don't really care about the color of the car as long as it works.
ExampleMany citizens care deeply about the environmental impact of the new highway, despite the promised economic benefits.
UsageUsually used with the preposition 'about'.
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5 to look after (v.) B1 Intermediateto provide for the needs of someone, like a child or a sick person.
to provide physical or emotional support and maintenance for someone or something.
ExampleShe spent many years caring for her elderly parents at home.
ExampleThe charity was established to care for abandoned animals and find them permanent homes within the local community.
UsageAlways used with the preposition 'for'.
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6 to want or like (v.) B2 Upper Intermediate Formala polite way to ask if someone wants something.
to have an inclination or desire for something; used in polite offers or negative preferences.
ExampleWould you care for a cup of tea before we start the meeting?
ExampleThe senator did not care to comment on the allegations until the full report had been released to the public.
UsageFollowed by 'for' plus a noun, or 'to' plus a verb.