# carefully

Pronunciation: say "KAIR-fuh-lee" US /ˈkɛɹf(ə)li/, UK /ˈkɛːf(ə)li/

## Adverb

1. In a manner that shows care and attention; attentively and cautiously.
   - Simple: In a way that gives close attention so as to avoid mistakes or harm.
   - _He carefully packed the fragile glasses into the box._
   - _The driver navigated the flooded road carefully, watching for hidden dips._
2. In a thorough, painstaking manner that attends conscientiously to every detail.
   - Simple: In a way that pays close attention to every small detail.
   - _The accountant carefully reconciled every entry in the year-end ledger._
   - _He carefully labeled each specimen before filing it in the archive._

## Adverb

3. In a manner full of sorrow or grief, expressing deep sadness. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: In a sad, sorrowful way, as someone full of grief.

## Origin

From Middle English carfulli, going back to Old English carfullīċe ("carefully, diligently"). It is equivalent to careful plus the ending -ly.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/carefully (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).