CARELESSLY

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does carelessly mean? 

• CARELESSLY (adverb)
  The adverb CARELESSLY has 3 senses:

1. without care or concern

2. without caution or prudence

3. in a rakish manner

  Familiarity information: CARELESSLY used as an adverb is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CARELESSLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Without care or concern

Synonyms:

carelessly; heedlessly

Context example:

carelessly raised the children's hopes without thinking of their possible disappointment

Pertainym:

careless (marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Without caution or prudence

Synonyms:

carelessly; incautiously

Context example:

one unfortunately sees historic features carelessly lost when estates fall into unsympathetic hands

Antonym:

carefully (as if with kid gloves; with caution or prudence or tact)

Pertainym:

careless (marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful)

Sense 3

Meaning:

In a rakish manner

Synonyms:

carelessly; raffishly; rakishly

Context example:

she wore her hat rakishly at an angle

 Context examples 

Then some of the wood that had been carelessly thrown down, caught fire and began to blaze.

(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)

The slightest order was received with a black look and grudgingly and carelessly obeyed.

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

"I wish I could gather knowledge as carelessly," Martin broke out half an hour later.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

“Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been making inquiries,” said Holmes carelessly.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I heard from him just before I left Exeter; taking a letter from her pocket and carelessly showing the direction to Elinor.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

“Touching the hundred thousand crowns in which I stand your debtor,” continued Pedro carelessly, “it can no doubt—”

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The new-comer was a stout, square-built man, plainly and almost carelessly dressed, with an uncouth manner and a rolling gait.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Negore looked at it shortly and carelessly.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

"Drums," said Lord John, carelessly; "war drums. I have heard them before."

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

She tried to speak carelessly, but she was not so careless as she wanted to appear.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)