ENGLISH
REFERENCE

carefully

adv.
US //ˈkɛɹfəɫi// UK //kˈeəfəli// care·ful·ly
  1. 1 with attention and caution (adv.)
    A2 Elementary

    in a way that shows you are thinking about what you are doing to avoid mistakes or danger.

    with close attention to detail or safety; in a manner intended to avoid error, harm, or damage.

    Example

    Please carry the box carefully because there are glass bottles inside.

    Example

    The surgeon worked carefully to ensure that no healthy tissue was damaged during the delicate procedure.
    Pitfall
    You must drive more careful in the rain.
    You must drive more carefully in the rain.

    Learners often use the adjective 'careful' when the adverb 'carefully' is required to describe the verb.

  2. 2 with great effort and detail (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    doing something very thoroughly and checking every part of it.

    with thoroughness and precision; showing great care for accuracy or completeness.

    Example

    She read the contract carefully before she signed her name.

    Example

    The researchers carefully documented every variable in the experiment to ensure the results could be replicated by other teams.
Origin

From Middle English carfulli, carefulliche, from Old English carfullīċe, ċearfullīċe (“carefully, diligently”), equivalent to careful + -ly.

Idioms1 entry

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