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Carelessly vs Careful - What's the difference?

carelessly | careful |

As an adverb carelessly

is giving the appearance of carelessness; relaxedly.

As an adjective careful is

(obsolete) full of care or grief; sorrowful, sad.

carelessly

English

Adverb

(en adverb)
  • Giving the appearance of carelessness; relaxedly.
    • The papers were carelessly strewn on the table.
  • Done without care or attention; inattentively.
    • Distracted by the salesperson, he carelessly read the contract.

    careful

    English

    Alternative forms

    * carefull (obsolete)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (obsolete) Full of care or grief; sorrowful, sad.
  • *, Bk.V:
  • *:‘Alas,’ sayde Sir Cadore, ‘now carefull is myne herte that now lyeth dede my cosyn that I beste loved.’
  • (obsolete) Full of cares or anxiety; worried, troubled.
  • *1590 , (Edmund Spenser), The Faerie Queene , III.1:
  • *:Where through long watch, and late daies weary toile, / She soundly slept, and carefull thoughts did quite assoile.
  • Having care (for); attentive to potential danger, error or harm; cautious.
  • :He was a slow and careful driver.
  • Conscientious and painstaking; meticulous.
  • :They made a careful search of the crime scene.

    • Synonyms

    * See also * See also

    Antonyms

    * careless

    Derived terms

    * carefully