carefulness
/ˈkeəflnəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkerflnəs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈker-fəl-nəs/ (ame, mw)
carefulness — noun
1. the habit or trait of acting with close attention and caution in order to preven
the habit or trait of acting with close attention and caution in order to prevent mistakes, harm, or breakage
Hana's carefulness with the kitchen knife kept her fingers safe.
noun + with + object: carefulness with [tool]
Kwame showed great carefulness as he carried the newborn kittens to the box.
verb + carefulness: showed great carefulness
The surgeon's carefulness during the long operation saved the patient from lasting harm.
Out of carefulness, Rahim read the contract twice before putting his name on it.
Mei's carefulness in choosing her words helped her avoid an argument with the customer.
- caution
more narrowly about avoiding danger or risk; carefulness covers a wider range of attentive behaviour
- meticulousness
stresses attention to tiny details; slightly more formal than carefulness
- diligence
emphasises steady, hard-working attention sustained over time
- carelessness
the direct opposite: lack of attention that leads to mistakes or harm
- negligence
more formal; implies failing to meet a legal or moral duty of care
用法筆記
Typically used to describe a person's habitual quality rather than a one-time action. Distinguish from 'caution', which focuses narrowly on avoiding danger, while 'carefulness' covers a broader attention to detail in any kind of task.