careful
Warning people of danger
You may need to tell someone that they are in danger or advise them not to do something dangerous:
Look out! There's a car coming. (look out) Be careful. It can be quite dangerous on that path. Watch out. That's not a very safe place at night. (watch out) Make sure you keep hold of your bag. (make sure) I wouldn't do that if I were you.
$ \mathrm{careful} /ˈkeəfl/
Word Family
Be careful!
careful to do something
He was careful to keep out of sight.
He's been careful to avoid significant debt.
careful not to do something
Be careful not to wake the baby.
careful when/what/how, etc.
You must be careful when handling chemicals.
Be careful what you say.
careful of/with something
Please be careful with my glasses (= Don't break them).
Be careful of the traffic.
careful about something
As a young actor, you have to be extremely careful about the roles you accept.
careful about doing something
I’m very careful about washing my hands before eating (= I make sure I do it).
careful (that)…
Be careful you don't bump your head.
After careful consideration we have decided to offer you the job.
A successful party requires careful planning.
He praised the careful attention to detail shown by the report's authors.
She made a careful analysis of the evidence.
Careful study of finds from archaeological sites has confirmed this theory.
This is a very careful piece of work.
A careful examination of the facts suggests a different conclusion.
Collocations
verbs
adverb
preposition
Idioms
not spending money on things that are unimportant
His mother had always been careful with money.
used to warn somebody that they should take care to avoid danger or problems
Don't stay out in the sun for too long—you can't be too careful.
Word Origin
e.g.