What is carefully? Pronunciation and usage in English

carefully means . Learn how to pronounce and use carefully through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of carefully

carefullyadverb

/ˈkɛːf(ʊ)li//ˈkɛfəli/
Definition & pronunciation of carefully

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "carefully" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown, focusing on the sounds and how to put them together:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • car: Pronounced like "kahr" (rhymes with "bar" or "scar"). The "c" is pronounced as a "k" sound.
  • ful: Pronounced like "fuel" (as in gasoline).
  • -ly: This is a common suffix that adds a "-ly" sound, which is like "lee."

2. Putting it Together - The Breakdown:

Here's a more detailed breakdown, broken into syllables:

  • Car-ful-lee

Let's look at how to articulate each part:

  • Car: /kɑr/ (The "a" is a short "a" sound, like in "father")
  • ful: /fʊl/ (The "u" is a short "u" sound, like in "but")
  • lee: /liː/ (The "ee" is a long "ee" sound, like in "see")

3. Linking the Sounds – Important!

This is where most people stumble. It's NOT pronounced "car-ful-lee" with separate pauses between each word. You need to link them together smoothly.

Here's how it flows:

  • kɑr-fʊl-liː (Try to let the sounds flow from one to the next.)

4. Emphasis:

Generally, the care part gets a bit more emphasis.

5. Resources to Help You Listen:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/%C3%A7arefully/ – This website has pronunciations by native speakers. Listen to several to get a feel for the rhythm and intonation.
  • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce carefully" - you'll find many helpful videos with visual and audio cues. Rachel's English is a great channel for pronunciation.

Tips for Practice:

  • Slow it down: Start by saying each syllable individually (“car,” “ful,” “lee”) until you feel comfortable.
  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying "carefully" and compare it to a native speaker’s pronunciation.
  • Shadowing: Listen to a native speaker saying "carefully" and try to repeat it immediately after them, mimicking their pronunciation and intonation.

Would you like me to:

  • Break down any part of the pronunciation in more detail?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word carefully in English

Let's break down how to use the word "carefully" in English. It's a really common and important word, but it needs to be used correctly to convey the right meaning.

1. Basic Meaning:

"Carefully" means to do something with attention to detail, taking time and effort to avoid mistakes or harm. It implies a sense of caution and precision.

2. How to Use It as an Adverb:

The most common way to use "carefully" is as an adverb, modifying a verb. Here’s how it works:

  • Modifying Actions: You use it to describe how something is done.

    • Example 1: "She carefully opened the delicate vase." (She did it slowly and gently.)
    • Example 2: "He carefully studied the instructions before beginning the project." (He paid close attention to the details.)
    • Example 3: "The surgeon carefully repaired the broken bone." (He performed the surgery with precision and skill.)
    • Example 4: "I carefully folded the laundry." (I did it neatly and with attention to each item.)

3. Common Phrases with "Carefully":

  • Carefully consider: Think about something thoroughly. "Carefully consider your options before making a decision."
  • Carefully examine: Inspect something closely and methodically. "Carefully examine the document for errors."
  • Carefully plan: Make a detailed plan with attention to all the necessary steps. "We need to carefully plan our budget."
  • Carefully watch: Observe something attentively. “Carefully watch the children.”
  • Carefully handle: Deal with something with caution and skill. “Carefully handle the fragile item.”

4. Emphasis & Nuances:

  • High Degree of Caution: "Carefully" suggests a high level of caution. It's stronger than simply "slowly."
  • Avoiding Mistakes/Harm: It’s often used when you want to prevent something bad from happening.

5. Contrast with Other Words:

  • Quickly: Implies speed and efficiency, not attention to detail.
  • Slowly: Implies a lack of speed, not necessarily carefulness.
  • Deliberately: Suggests a conscious and intentional decision to do something carefully. (While similar, "deliberately" focuses on the reason for being careful, while "carefully" focuses on how it's done.)

6. Examples in Sentences (Variety):

  • "The detective carefully pieced together the clues to solve the mystery."
  • "She carefully watered the plants, making sure not to overwater them."
  • "He carefully navigated the crowded streets, avoiding collisions."
  • “The librarian carefully reshelved the books, ensuring they were in the correct order.”

To help me give you more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., a story, an email, a description of a process?)
  • Is there a specific situation where you're struggling to use "carefully"?

Synonyms for the word carefully

Idioms of the word carefully

tread carefully, warily, etc.
to be very careful about what you do or say
  • The government will have to tread very carefully in handling this issue.
  • We must tread warily —we don't want to offend anyone.

Practice with vocabulary carefully

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. She listened __________ to the instructions before starting the project.
  2. The artist painted the portrait with great __________, paying attention to every detail.
  3. He drove __________ during the storm to avoid accidents.
  4. The teacher explained the concept __________, ensuring everyone understood.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. How should you handle fragile items?
    a) quickly
    b) carefully
    c) loudly
    d) carelessly

  2. Which word describes reviewing a document for errors?
    a) swiftly
    b) thoroughly
    c) carefully
    d) abruptly

  3. What is the best way to plan a project?
    a) carefully
    b) randomly
    c) hastily
    d) carelessly

  4. Which word fits best in this sentence? "She walked __________ across the icy path."
    a) cautiously
    b) rapidly
    c) carefully
    d) recklessly

  5. How would you describe someone analyzing a problem?
    a) meticulously
    b) carefully
    c) hurriedly
    d) casually

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. He paid close attention to the details.
  2. The chef prepared the dish with great precision.
  3. They examined the report with a lot of care.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. carefully
  2. care
  3. cautiously
  4. clearly

Exercise 2:

  1. b) carefully
  2. b) thoroughly, c) carefully
  3. a) carefully
  4. a) cautiously, c) carefully
  5. a) meticulously, b) carefully

Exercise 3:

  1. He examined the details carefully.
  2. The chef carefully prepared the dish.
  3. They scrutinized the report thoroughly.

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