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cautious in one’s actions:
Be careful when you cross the street.
taking pains in one’s work; exact; thorough:
a careful typist.
(of things) done or performed with accuracy or caution:
careful research.
solicitously mindful (usually followed by of, about, or in):
careful of the rights of others; careful about one’s behavior; careful in speech.
Archaic.

troubled.
attended with anxiety.

Contemporary Examples

When you get an offer to organize a group of poor people in the Andes, you have to carefully investigate why this is happening.
Tom Hayden’s Feelings on Occupy Wall Street Run Hot and Cold Jeff Smith April 29, 2012

carefully coiffed and couture’d, celebrities strode the Oscar red carpet two weeks ago.
America’s First Modern Celebrity Laura Skandera Trombley March 19, 2010

Mark Owen (the nom de plume for Matt Bissonnette) carefully recounts his life and career as a member of SEAL Team 6.
From ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ to ‘Medal of Honor’ Video Game: The SEAL Team Six Gift Guide Benjamin Schor December 18, 2012

Was the attack a premeditated act targeting the ambassador and carefully timed to coincide with the 11th anniversary of 9/11?
Libya Attack Mystery: Premeditated by Al Qaeda or Spontaneous? Jamie Dettmer September 13, 2012

I will figure out how to pass on carefully the suggestion you’ve made of advertising on these sex sites.
Kathleen Turner’s New Broadway High Kevin Sessums April 16, 2011

Historical Examples

He picked it up, folded it carefully and slipped it in his pocket.
The Green Rust Edgar Wallace

It had not been for nothing that he had carefully studied the ways of the nobility.
Millennium Everett B. Cole

But carefully note the reason appended to the prayer: “they know not what they do.”
Gloria Crucis J. H. Beibitz

Turnbull said carefully: “I’d just like to get a little information, Dr. Drawford.”
Dead Giveaway Gordon Randall Garrett

This was in reality the beginning of Mrs. Dean’s carefully laid plan.
Marjorie Dean Pauline Lester

adjective
cautious in attitude or action; prudent
painstaking in one’s work; thorough: he wrote very careful script
(usually postpositive; foll by of, in, or about) solicitous; protective: careful of one’s reputation
(archaic) full of care; anxious
(Brit) mean or miserly
adv.

Old English carful-lice; see careful + -ly (2).
adj.

Old English cearful “mournful, sad,” also “full of care or woe; anxious; full of concern” (for someone or something), thus “applying attention, painstaking, circumspect;” from care (n.) + -ful.