What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cautiously
Example
He cautiously approached the edge of the cliff, aware of the potential danger. [cautiously: adverb]
Example
The driver cautiously navigated through the slippery road, taking extra care. [cautiously: adverb]
carefully
Example
She carefully arranged the flowers in a vase, making sure each stem was in the right position. [carefully: adverb]
Example
The chef carefully measured the ingredients before adding them to the recipe. [carefully: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Carefully is more commonly used than cautiously in everyday language. Carefully is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cautiously is less common and tends to be used in specific situations where caution is necessary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cautiously and carefully?
Both cautiously and carefully can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, carefully is more commonly used in formal writing or professional settings due to its neutral connotation and emphasis on attention to detail.
