too-careful

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too-careful

She is too-careful when crossing the quiet street.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Excessively or unduly careful: Describes a state of being overly cautious, meticulous, or attentive to detail to a degree that is unnecessary or counterproductive.
Usage

The word "too-careful" is a compound adjective used to modify a noun. It directly criticizes or points out an excess of caution. It is typically used in a descriptive or critical context. - It is often hyphenated when placed before the noun it modifies. - It describes a person, action, or approach that demonstrates more care than is reasonable or beneficial.

Examples

  • Before a noun:

    • His too-careful approach to the project caused significant delays. (His excessively cautious approach...)
    • She is a too-careful driver, which sometimes annoys other motorists. (She is an unduly careful driver...)

  • After a linking verb (like 'be', 'seem', 'become'):

    • The instructions were too-careful, making the simple task seem complicated. (The instructions were excessively detailed...)
    • He became too-careful after the minor accident. (He became overly cautious...)
Advanced Usage
  • "too careful" (without hyphen): When the adjective follows the noun/pronoun it describes, the hyphen is often omitted in modern usage, though the meaning remains identical.
    • You are being too careful; just make a decision.
    • Her planning was too careful and left no room for spontaneity.
Variants and Related Words
  • Overly careful (adj phrase): A more common synonym with the same meaning.
  • Overcautious (adj): Excessively cautious, often implying an irrational fear of risk.
  • Meticulous (adj): Taking or showing extreme care about minute details. (This can be positive or negative; "too-careful" explicitly frames it as negative).
  • Fastidious (adj): Very attentive to accuracy and detail; scrupulous. (Similar to meticulous, can imply excess).
Synonyms
  • Overcautious
  • Overly cautious
  • Unduly careful
  • Hyper-vigilant (in specific contexts)
  • Fussy (implies excessive care about trivial details)
Antonyms
  • Careless
  • Reckless
  • Negligent
  • Hasty
  • Impulsive
Related Phrases
  • To err on the side of caution: To be especially careful to avoid risk. (This is generally a positive or neutral phrase, whereas "too-careful" is a criticism).
  • To be painstaking: Showing diligent care and great effort. (Can be positive; "too-careful" suggests the effort is misplaced).
too-careful

She is too-careful when crossing the quiet street.

Adjective
  1. excessively or unduly careful

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