# carefully

/ˈkɛɹfəɫi/ (US) · /kˈeəfəli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/carefully
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. with attention and caution

adverb · CEFR A2

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

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

- Please carry the box carefully because there are glass bottles inside.
- The surgeon worked carefully to ensure that no healthy tissue was damaged during the delicate procedure.

### 2. with great effort and detail

adverb · CEFR B2

doing something very thoroughly and checking every part of it.

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

- She read the contract carefully before she signed her name.
- The researchers carefully documented every variable in the experiment to ensure the results could be replicated by other teams.

## Examples

- Please carry the glass carefully.
- The scientist carefully measured the liquid to ensure the experiment was accurate.
- The restorer worked carefully on the ancient manuscript, using specialized tools to prevent the fragile parchment from tearing further.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.