care
Noun pluralcares (some meanings)
Pluralcares (some meanings)
- 1To feel that someone or something matters, or to be bothered by something.
I care what happens to my little brother.
She cares about her pets very much.
UsageSay care about something. Care for means look after or like.
Note
- 2
- 3
- 4Close attention and effort you give to something important.
Like holding something fragile so it doesn't break.
She handled the old photos with great care.
He takes care to lock every door at night.
UsageSay take care or handle with care.
Similarattention, caution, diligence, thoroughness
Oppositenegligence, neglect
Note
- 5The work of keeping something in good condition.
Regular care keeps your bike running smoothly.
Good skin care can prevent dryness.
UsageOften skin care or hair care.
Similarmaintenance, upkeep
Oppositeneglect
- 6The condition of being looked after by other people.
The puppy is now in the care of a loving family.
Grandpa stayed in our care after leaving the hospital.
UsageSay in the care of someone.
Similarcustody, charge, keeping, protection
- 7
Less common meanings
- 8
- 9Someone or something that you watch over or worry about closely.
After the storm, his only care was finding his lost dog.
Keeping the farm safe was his greatest care.
Similarconcern, responsibility, charge
- 10A deep feeling of sadness or grief.
Sleep, that knits up the ravell'd sleave of care.
c. 1606, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Macbeth”Here, care means deep sadness or grief.More health and happiness betide my liege / Than can my care-tuned tongue deliver him!
1595, William Shakespeare, “The Life and Death of King Richard the Second”Here, care means deep sadness, so the tongue speaks sadly.Note
- 11
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origins
From Old English "caru" meaning care, worry, or sorrow, going back through older Germanic words to an ancient root meaning to shout or call.
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts
- Care derives from Old English caru, meaning care, worry or sorrow. en.wiktionary.org
- Old English caru descends through earlier Germanic forms. en.wiktionary.org
- The proposed ultimate root means shout or call. en.wiktionary.org
From Old English "carian", meaning to grieve, be anxious, or care for something.
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts
- The verb care descends from Old English carian. en.wiktionary.org
- Old English carian meant to grieve, be anxious, or care for something. en.wiktionary.org