Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense cares, present participle caring, past tense, past participle cared
1. verb [no cont]
If you careabout something, you feel that it is important and are concerned about it.
...a company that cares about the environment. [VERB + about]
...young men who did not care whether they lived or died. [VERB wh]
Does anybody know we're here, does anybody care? [VERB]
Synonyms: be concerned, mind, bother, be interested More Synonyms of care
2. verb [no cont]
If you carefor someone, you feel a lot of affection for them.
[approval]
He wanted me to know that he still cared for me. [V + for/about]
...people who are your friends, who care about you. [V + for/about]
[Also VERB]
caringuncountable noun
He demonstrates traits of caring and compassion.
3. verb
If you carefor someone or something, you look after them and keep them in a good state or condition.
They hired a nurse to care for her. [VERB + for]
...these distinctive cars, lovingly cared for by private owners. [V-ed + for]
...well-cared-for homes. [VERB-ed]
Care is also a noun.
Most of the staff specialise in the care of children. [+ of]
...sensitive teeth which need special care.
She denied the murder of four children who were in her care.
4. uncountable noun [oft inNOUN]
Children who are incare are looked after by the state because their parents are dead or unable to look after them properly.
[British]
...a home for children in care.
She was taken into care as a baby.
5. verb [no cont]
If you say that you do not carefor something or someone, you mean that you do not like them.
[old-fashioned]
She had met both sons and did not care for either. [VERB + for]
6. verb [no cont]
If you say that someone does something when they careto do it, you mean that they do it, although they should do it more willingly or moreoften.
The woman tells anyone who cares to listen that she's going through hell. [VERB to-infinitive]
Experts reveal only as much as they care to. [VERB to-infinitive]
7. verb [no cont]
You can ask someone if they would carefor something or if they would careto do something as a polite way of asking if they would like to have or do something.
[politeness]
Would you care for some orange juice? [VERB + for]
He said he was off to the beach and would we care to join him. [VERB to-infinitive]
8. uncountable noun [oft withNOUN]
If you do something withcare, you give careful attention to it because you do not want to make any mistakes or cause any damage.
Condoms are an effective method of birth control if used with care.
We'd taken enormous care in choosing the location.
9. countable noun
Your cares are your worries, anxieties, or fears.
Lean back in a hot bath and forget all the cares of the day.
Johnson seemed without a care in the world.
Synonyms: worry, concern, pressure, trouble More Synonyms of care
10. See also aftercare, caring, day care, intensive care
11.
See for all sb cares
12.
See couldn't care less
13.
See care of sb, in care of sb
14.
See take care of sth/sb
15.
See take care
16.
See take care to do sth
17.
See take care of sth
18.
See who cares
More Synonyms of care
care in British English
(kɛə)
verb
1. (when tr, may take a clause as object)
to be troubled or concerned; be affected emotionally
I am miserable, and she doesn't care
2. (intr; foll by for or about)
to have regard, affection, or consideration (for)
he cares more for his hobby than his job
3. (intransitive; foll byfor)
to have a desire or taste (for)
would you care for some tea?
4. (intransitive; foll byfor)
to provide physical needs, help, or comfort (for)
the nurse cared for her patients
5. (transitive)
to agree or like (to do something)
would you care to sit down, please?
6. for all I care
noun
7.
careful or serious attention
under her care the plant flourished
he does his work with care
8.
protective or supervisory control
in the care of a doctor
9. (often plural)
trouble; anxiety; worry
10.
an object of or cause for concern
the baby's illness was her only care
11.
caution
handle with care
12. care of
13. in care
Word origin
Old English cearu (n), cearian (vb), of Germanic origin; compare Old High German chara lament, Latin garrīre to gossip
CARE in British English
(kɛə)
noun acronym for
1.
Cooperative for American Relief Everywhere, Inc.; a federation of US charities, giving financial and technical assistance to many regions of the world
2.
communicated authenticity, regard, empathy: the three qualities believed to be essential in the therapist practising client-centred therapy
CARE in American English
(kɛr)
US
Cooperative for American Relief Everywhere, Inc.
care in American English
(kɛr)
noun
1.
a.
a troubled or burdened state of mind; worry; concern
b.
a cause of such a mental state
2.
close attention or careful heed
to drive with care
3.
a liking or regard (for)
to show no care for others
4.
charge; protection; custody
left in a friend's care
5.
something to watch over or attend to; a responsibility
verb intransitiveWord forms: cared or ˈcaring
6.
to have objection, worry, regret, etc.; mind
do you care if I go?
7.
to feel concern or interest
to care about others
8.
to feel love or a liking (for)
9.
to take charge of; look after; provide (for)
10.
to wish (for); want
do you care for more pie?
verb transitive
11.
to feel concern about or interest in
I don't care what you did
12.
to wish or desire
do you care to eat now?
Idioms:
could care less
have a care
(in) care of
take care of
SYNONYMY NOTE: care suggests a weighing down of the mind, as by dread, apprehension, or great responsibility[worn out by the cares of the day]; concern suggests mental uneasiness over someone or something in which one has an affectionateinterest [I feel concern for their welfare]; solicitude implies thoughtfulness, often excessive apprehension, for the welfare, safety, orcomfort of another [she stroked his head with great solicitude]; worry suggests mental distress or agitation over some problem [his chief worry was that he might fail]; anxiety suggests an apprehensive or uneasy feeling with less mental activity than , worry, often over some indefinite but anticipated evil [he viewed the world situation with anxiety]
OPPOSITES: unconcern, indifference
Word origin
ME < OE caru, sorrow < IE base *ĝar-, cry out, scream > L garrulus, garrulous, Goth kara, care, Ger kar-, in karfreitag, Good Friday
Examples of 'care' in a sentence
care
We do care about each other but she cannot see my side.
The Sun (2016)
The care and attention has paid off.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
And of course they invest the proceeds back into health care.
The Sun (2016)
Older people find it harder to take care of themselves or find others to take care of them.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Our worry is these figures are another sign that our system for caring for older people is failing.
The Sun (2017)
Let cynics say he's just taking care of business.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
But what do consumers know, or care?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
An adjunct of all this is the idea that it's cool not to care about being liked.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They obviously had to be taking care of this person for a while and buried them with these objects of ritual significance as well.
Smithsonian Mag (2017)
Choices and control in care are important.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
We give them more care & support than the victims.
The Sun (2008)
These financial controls will ensure money is pumped back into patient care.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
You need to understand something to care what happens and be involved with the characters.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
What impact do you think a zero deductible health insurance policy has on the health care system?
McKenzie, James F. & Pinger, Robert R. An Introduction to Community Health (1995)
The staff will take more care about leaving the door open in future.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
You can speak in an entertaining and convincing way about a cause you care about.
The Sun (2013)
Take care to protect plants growing close to the surfaces you are treating.
The Sun (2014)
The second part of the business is care services.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Welfare groups claim that the animals receive little care or medical attention.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
You are serious and impressive when you talk about the plans you care about.
The Sun (2013)
We are looking for real punters who know and care about comedy.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
You can run on the dunes without a care in the world.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
We have very many elderly and frail people that attend day care and some are diabetic.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The ground must be prepared with great care.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
We will support programs that diversify the health are workforce to ensure culturally effective care.
Christianity Today (2000)
Then there were similar clouds all the time without anybody caring about it.
The Sun (2011)
Quotations
What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare?W.H. DaviesLeisure
In other languages
care
British English: care /kɛə/ NOUN
Care is very careful attention.
...sensitive teeth which need special care.
American English: care
Arabic: عِنَايَة
Brazilian Portuguese: atenção cuidado
Chinese: 关心
Croatian: njega
Czech: péče
Danish: pleje
Dutch: zorg
European Spanish: cuidado
Finnish: varovaisuus
French: soins
German: Pflege
Greek: φροντίδα
Italian: cura
Japanese: 注意
Korean: 주의
Norwegian: omsorg
Polish: opieka
European Portuguese: atenção
Romanian: îngrijire
Russian: забота
Latin American Spanish: cuidado
Swedish: omsorg
Thai: การดูแล
Turkish: bakım hasta vb
Ukrainian: піклування
Vietnamese: sự quan tâm
British English: care /kɛə/ VERB
be concerned If you care about something, you think that it is important.
He doesn't care about the way he looks.
American English: care
Arabic: يَهْتَمُّ بِ
Brazilian Portuguese: importar-se com
Chinese: 关心
Croatian: mariti
Czech: záležet někomu na někom
Danish: pleje
Dutch: geven om
European Spanish: preocuparse preocuparse
Finnish: välittää
French: prendre soin
German: pflegen
Greek: φροντίζω
Italian: importare
Japanese: 心配する
Korean: 돌보다
Norwegian: bry (seg)
Polish: przejmować się
European Portuguese: importar-se com
Romanian: a-i păsa
Russian: заботиться
Latin American Spanish: cuidar
Swedish: bry (sig) om
Thai: ดูแล
Turkish: bakmak hasta vb
Ukrainian: вважати важливим
Vietnamese: quan tâm
British English: care /kɛə/ VERB
look after If you care for a person or an animal, you look after them.
She cared for her pets.
American English: care
Arabic: يَهْتَمُّ بِ
Brazilian Portuguese: tomar conta
Chinese: 照顾
Croatian: skrbiti se
Czech: pečovat
Danish: passer
Dutch: verzorgen
European Spanish: cuidar
Finnish: välittää
French: prendre soin de
German: sich sorgen um
Greek: φροντίζω
Italian: occuparsi di
Japanese: 面倒をみる
Korean: 돌보다
Norwegian: omsorg
Polish: opiekować się
European Portuguese: preocupar-se com
Romanian: a avea grijă de
Russian: присматривать
Latin American Spanish: preocuparse
Swedish: sköta om
Thai: ดูแล
Turkish: bakmak
Ukrainian: піклуватися про
Vietnamese: chăm sóc
All related terms of 'care'
care of
at the address of: written on envelopes
in care
made the legal responsibility of a local authority by order of a court
care home
A care home is a large house or institution where people with particular problems or special needs are looked after.
care plan
a plan for the medical care of a particular patient or the welfare of a child in care
day care
Day care is care that is provided during the day for people who cannot look after themselves, such as small children , old people, or people who are ill . Day care is provided by paid workers .
easy-care
(esp of a fabric or garment) hardwearing, practical , and requiring no special treatment during washing , cleaning , etc
hair care
Hair care is all the things people do to keep their hair clean , healthy-looking, and attractive .
home care
a service provided by a local authority social services department to those whom it judges most need it
life-care
designating or of a residential community or facility for elderly people that is designed to provide an apartment , meals , nursing care , etc. for the duration of the resident's life
skin care
Skin care involves keeping your skin clean , healthy-looking, and attractive .
take care
You can say ' Take care ' when saying goodbye to someone.
care label
a label attached to a garment providing information on how to wash , dry , and iron the garment
care order
an order by a magistrate that places a child in the care of a local authority
care sector
A particular sector of a country's economy is the part connected with that specified type of industry.
care-worker
A care worker is someone whose job involves helping people who have particular problems or special needs, for example in a care home.
child-care
having to do with the care of children, specif., of preschool children whose parents are employed
dental care
Dental care is medical care and hygiene relating to your teeth.
foster care
the raising or supervision of foster children in an institution , group home , or private home, usually arranged through a government or social-service agency that provides remuneration for expenses
health care
the provision of medical services
shared care
an arrangement between a welfare agency and a family with a dependent disabled member, whereby the agency takes the disabled person into a home for respite care or in emergencies
vision care
Vision care is the care and treatment of eyes , eyesight conditions, and vision.
care package
a package containing food, clothing, or other items sent as necessities to the needy
customer care
the work of looking after customers and ensuring their satisfaction with one's business and its goods or services
extended care
nursing care provided for a limited time after a hospital stay , as in a special facility
hospital care
medical treatment provided in a hospital
managed care
a plan or system for providing medical services at reduced costs in which those being served agree , variously, to use certain specified doctors and hospitals , to accept a limit on reimbursement if they receive services from sources not specified in the plan, etc.
medical care
the professional attention of medical practitioners
pastoral care
help with personal needs and problems given by a teacher
personal care
help given to elderly or infirm people with essential everyday activities such as washing , dressing , and meals
primary care
Primary care refers to those parts of the health service, such as general practitioners and hospital casualty departments , that deal with people who are in immediate need of medical care.
respite care
Respite care is short-term care that is provided for very old or very sick people so that the person who usually cares for them can have a break .
ambulatory care
care given at a hospital to non-resident patients, including minor surgery and outpatient treatment
antenatal care
the medical care that women receive when they are pregnant
care assistant
a person who is paid to look after one or more severely disabled people staying in residential accommodation
care attendant
(in Britain) a person who is paid to look after one or more severely disabled people by visiting them frequently and staying when needed , but who does not live in
community care
help available to persons living in their own homes , rather than services provided in residential institutions
duty of care
the legal obligation to safeguard others from harm while they are in your care , using your services, or exposed to your activities
have a care
to be careful
(in) care of
at the address of
intensive care
If someone is in intensive care , they are being given extremely thorough care in a hospital because they are very ill or very badly injured .
take care of
to assume responsibility for; look after
wraparound care
a childcare facility intended to help working parents , in which young children are looked after before and after school
devil-may-care
If you say that someone has a devil-may-care attitude , you mean that they seem relaxed and do not seem worried about the consequences of their actions .
domiciliary care
services, such as meals-on-wheels, health visiting , and home help , provided by a welfare agency for people in their own homes
follow-up care
care provided for a patient after medical or surgical treatment
long-term care
continuing care of sick or elderly people
residential care
the provision by a welfare agency of a home with social-work supervision for people who need more than just housing accommodation , such as children in care or adults with learning difficulties
coronary care unit
a unit in a hospital dedicated to treating coronary heart disease
could care less
feel (s) the least possible degree of interest, sympathy , etc.
for all I care
I am completely indifferent
Chinese translation of 'care'
care
(kɛəʳ)
n
(u) (= attention) 照顾(顧) (zhàogù)
⇒ She needed a lot of care at home.她在家需要不少照顾。 (Tā zài jiā xūyào bùshǎo zhàogù.)
(c) (= worry) 烦(煩)恼(惱) (fánnǎo)
vi
关(關)心 (guānxīn)
with care小心 (xiǎoxīn)
in sb's care由某人照顾(顧) (yóu mǒurén zhàogù)
take care! (saying goodbye) 慢走！ (mànzǒu!)
to take care to do sth确(確)保做某事 (quèbǎo zuò mǒushì)
to take care of sb照顾(顧)某人 (zhàogù mǒurén)
to take care of sth[possession, clothes]保管某物 (bǎoguǎn mǒuwù) [problem, situation]处(處)理某物 (chǔlǐ mǒuwù)
to be in care (Brit) 由福利院抚(撫)养(養) (yóu fúlìyuàn fǔyǎng)
the child has been taken into care这(這)个(個)孩子被送入福利院抚(撫)养(養) (zhège háizi bèi sòngrù fúlìyuàn fǔyǎng)
not to have a care in the world无(無)忧(憂)无(無)虑(慮) (wú yōu wú lǜ)
would you care to join us? (frm) 你想和我们(們)一起去吗(嗎)？ (nǐ xiǎng hé wǒmen yīqǐ qù ma?)
would you care for some tea?你想喝点(點)茶吗(嗎)？ (nǐ xiǎng hē diǎn chá ma?)
I don't care for it/him (o.f.) 我不喜欢(歡)它/他 (wǒ bù xǐhuan tā/tā)
I don't care to remember (= choose) 我不想去记(記)住 (wǒ bù xiǎng qù jìzhù)
"care of ... ", "in care of ... " (US, on letter) "由 ... 转(轉)交" ("yóu ... zhuǎnjiāo")
I don't care我不在乎 (wǒ bù zàihu)
who cares! (inf) 谁(誰)管呢! (shéi guǎn ne!)
I couldn't care less or (US, inf) I could care less我才不在乎呢 (wǒ cái bù zàihu ne)
All related terms of 'care'
care for
( look after ) 照顾(顧) zhàogù
with care
小心 xiǎoxīn
care about
( person, thing, idea ) 关(關)心 guānxīn
health care
保健 bǎojiàn
take care!
( saying goodbye ) 慢走！ mànzǒu!
intensive care
▶ to be in intensive care 接受重病特别(別)护(護)理 jiēshòu zhòngbìng tèbié hùlǐ
do take care!
千万(萬)保重！ Qiānwàn bǎozhòng!
I don't care
我不在乎 wǒ bù zàihu
in sb's care
由某人照顾(顧) yóu mǒurén zhàogù
day-care centre
( for children ) 日托托儿(兒)所 rìtuō tuō'érsuǒ [ 家 jiā ]
to be in care
( Brit ) 由福利院抚(撫)养(養) yóu fúlìyuàn fǔyǎng
"handle with care"
"小心轻(輕)放" "xiǎoxīn qīngfàng"
I couldn't care less
我才不在乎呢 wǒ cái bù zàihu ne
to take care of sb
照顾(顧)某人 zhàogù mǒurén
to take special care
格外小心 géwài xiǎoxīn
for all I know/care
我一无(無)所知/不关(關)我事 wǒ yī wú suǒ zhī/bù guān wǒ shì
to take care of sth
( possession, clothes ) 保管某物 bǎoguǎn mǒuwù
c/o
care of 由 ... 转(轉)交 yóu ... zhuǎnjiāo
he didn't seem to care
他看起来(來)并(並)不在乎 tā kànqǐlái bìng bù zàihu
I don't care to remember
( choose ) 我不想去记(記)住 wǒ bù xiǎng qù jìzhù
to be in intensive care
接受重病特别(別)护(護)理 jiēshòu zhòngbìng tèbié hùlǐ
to take care to do sth
确(確)保做某事 quèbǎo zuò mǒushì
"care of ... ", "in care of ... "
( US : on letter ) "由 ... 转(轉)交" "yóu ... zhuǎnjiāo"
I don't care for it/him
( o.f. ) 我不喜欢(歡)它/他 wǒ bù xǐhuan tā/tā
to be in institutional care
在慈善机(機)构(搆)的收容照顾(顧)下 zài císhàn jīgòu de shōuróng zhàogù xià