26984 words

cares

23 definitions • 42 examples
1
the process of protecting someone or something and providing what that person or thing needs:

Examples:

The standard of care at our local hospital is excellent.
Mira's going to be very weak for a long time after the operation, so she'll need a lot of care.
in the care of The children were left in the care of a neighbour.
2
used as a combining form:

Examples:

3
to protect someone or something and provide the things that that person or thing needs:

Examples:

take good care Take good care of that girl of yours, Patrick - she's very special.
4
Children who are in care or who have been taken/put into care are not living with their natural parents but instead with a national or local government organization or another family:

Examples:

Both children were taken into care when their parents died.
5
a system in which people with mental illness or reduced mental ability are allowed to continue living in their own homes, with treatment and help, and are not kept in hospital:

Examples:

These people are supposed to be getting care in the community, but it's just not happening.
6
serious attention, especially to the details of a situation or thing:

Examples:

You can see the care that he puts into every aspect of his work.
Preparing a delicate fish like this needs care.
with care She painted the window frames with great care so that no paint got onto the glass.
The roads are icy, so drive with care.
handle with care The parcel had a label on it saying "Handle with care".
7
to give serious attention to what you are doing so that you do not make a mistake:

Examples:

Take care on these busy roads.
8
to deal with something:

Examples:

If you can see to the drinks for the party, I'll take care of the food.
9
a feeling of worry or anxiety:

Examples:

She seemed weighed down by all her cares.
10
to think that something is important and to feel interested in it or upset about it:

Examples:

care about She's never cared very much about her appearance.
[ + question word ] I really don't care whether we go out or not.
care how I don't care how much it costs, just buy it.
"Was Lorna happy about the arrangements?" "I don't know and I don't care."
Your parents are only doing this because they care about (= love) you.
11
used to emphasize rudely that you are not interested in or worried about something or someone:

Examples:

"Mike's really fed up about it." "I couldn't care less."
12
used to say that you are not interested in or worried about what someone else is doing:

Examples:

You can go to the match with Paula, for all I care.
13
used to say that you are not interested in or worried about something that has happened or that someone has said:

Examples:

He said he didn't approve of what I'd done, as if I cared.
14
used to emphasize that you do not think something is important:

Examples:

"It looks as if we are going to lose." "Who cares?"
15
used in polite offers and suggestions:

Examples:

care for Would you care for a drink?
[ + to infinitive ] Would you care to join us for dinner?
16
the process of providing for the needs of someone or something:

Examples:

The quality of care at this hospital is very good.
Trees on city property don’t get any care.
17
serious attention, esp. to the details of a situation or a piece of work:

Examples:

She painted the window frames with great care.
18
to be interested in something, or to be anxious or upset about something:

Examples:

[ I ] Don’t you care about what happens to the children?
[ I ] I really don’t care if we go or not (= It doesn’t matter to me).
[ + question word ] I don’t care how much it costs, just buy it.
19
(used in polite offers and suggestions) to want something:

Examples:

[ + to infinitive ] Would you care to join us for dinner?
20
attention that is given to something or someone, so that they are looked after, protected, or dealt with in the right way:

Examples:

There will be some mistakes no matter how much care goes into the first draft.
take care over sth People are taking more care over where they invest their money.
take care to do sth Take care to prepare for your interview by listing all the personal qualities and experience you have which suit you for the job.
21
used in addresses when the person you are writing to is staying or working somewhere that is not the place where they usually live or work:

Examples:

You can send packages to me care of my hotel.
Address your letters to Write On, c/o BBC, Broadcasting House, London.
22
to look after or protect something or someone:

Examples:

Take care of your home: it's your largest asset.
People are doing this job to put food on the table and take care of their children.
23
to deal with or be responsible for something:

Examples:

He suggested she could help run the firm and take care of the finances.
I'll take care of all the travel arrangements.

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