What does care mean?
Care is a central English word for the attention, concern, and responsibility we give to people, animals, objects, and important matters. As a noun, it can describe someone's concern for another person, the protection of something in a person's charge, or simply an interest in a subject. As a verb, it can mean to feel concern about something, to look after someone or something, or, in informal contexts, to want something. Its force often depends on context: “she cares about her family” suggests affection and concern, while “handle with care” emphasizes caution and responsibility. The word is also used in expressions associated with welfare and supervision, such as foster care, childcare, and intensive care. Although its meanings range from mild interest to profound concern, care generally conveys attentiveness rather than passivity. It is useful because it links emotional attachment, practical responsibility, and ethical consideration in a single familiar term.
Attentive concern, interest, or regard for someone or something; responsibility for a person or thing; or worry about a matter.
"The children were placed in the care of their aunt."
The phrase “in the care of” means under someone's supervision or protection.
To be concerned about or interested in someone or something; to look after or provide for someone or something; or, informally, to like or want something.
"She cares deeply about her students and gives each of them plenty of attention."
The informal sense meaning to like or want something is especially common in invitations and conversational speech.
The plural is most often used for concerns, worries, or responsibilities.
"She had many cares as a single parent."
Care began as a word for sorrow, then broadened to include the responsibility of looking after people, places, and things.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does care come from?
The word descends from Old English caru, an inherited Germanic word for sorrow, anxiety, or concern. Its modern meanings developed by extension from worry and regard to the responsibility of looking after someone or something and to attentive treatment. English careful, careless, and chary continue the Old English family, while charity is a later French and Latin borrowing associated with a related Indo-European root.
Related word forms
How care is actually used
Care is semantically broad and can suggest either affection, responsibility, caution, or simply personal interest. In expressions such as “I don't care,” it often conveys indifference; in “I care about you,” it conveys emotional attachment. The informal sense meaning to like or want something is especially common in invitations and conversational speech.
Easily confused with care
A car is a motor vehicle, whereas care means attentive concern, responsibility, or looking after someone or something.