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careless (adj.)
Old English carleas "free from anxiety; unconcerned," from care (n.) + -less; a compound probably from Proto-Germanic (compare Old Norse kærulauss "quit, free"). The original recorded senses was extinct by mid-17c. (now in care-free); the main modern meaning "not paying attention, inattentive, not taking due care" is attested by 1560s (in carelessly). The meaning "done or said without care, unconsidered" is from 1650s.
updated on November 07, 2022
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Dictionary entries near careless
care-free
careful
carefully
carefulness
caregiver
careless
carelessness
cares
caress
caret
caretaker