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Caution vs Careless - What's the difference?

caution | careless |

As a noun caution

is precept or warning against evil or danger of any kind; exhortation to wariness; advice; injunction.

As a verb caution

is to warn; to alert, advise that caution is warranted.

As an adjective careless is

(lb) free from care; unworried, without anxiety.

caution

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • Precept or warning against evil or danger of any kind; exhortation to wariness; advice; injunction.
  • * Shakespeare
  • In way of caution I must tell you.
  • A careful attention to the probable effects of an act, in order that failure or harm may be avoided; prudence in regard to danger; provident care; wariness.
  • Security; guaranty; bail.
  • * Clarendon
  • The Parliament would yet give his majesty sufficient caution that the war should be prosecuted.
  • One who gives rise to attention or astonishment.
  • Oh, that boy, he's a caution ! He does make me laugh.
  • A formal warning given as an alternative to prosecution in minor cases.
  • Synonyms

    * See also

    Derived terms

    * err on the side of caution * throw caution to the wind

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To warn; to alert, advise that caution is warranted.
  • Anagrams

    * ----

    careless

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (lb) Free from care; unworried, without anxiety.
  • *:
  • *:Good-humored, easy, and careless , he presided over his whale-boat as if the most deadly encounter were but a dinner, and his crew all invited guests.
  • Not concerned or worried (about).
  • *
  • *:"He was here," observed Drina composedly, "and father was angry with him." ¶ "What?" exclaimed Eileen. "When?" ¶ "This morning, before father went downtown." ¶ Both Selwyn and Lansing cut in coolly, dismissing the matter with a careless word or two; and coffee was served—cambric tea in Drina's case.
  • Not giving sufficient attention or thought, especially concerning the avoidance of harm or mistakes.
  • :
  • Synonyms

    * See also