caring: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Formal, Semi-formal, Informal
Quick answer
What does “caring” mean?
Displaying kindness, concern, and a desire to look after or protect someone or something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Displaying kindness, concern, and a desire to look after or protect someone or something.
Characterized by empathy, consideration, and a protective or nurturing attitude; often used to describe professions, institutions, or personal qualities focused on welfare. Can imply emotional labor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or usage. 'Caring professions' is a slightly more established collocation in British English.
Connotations
Universally positive, associated with selflessness and virtue. Sometimes used politically (e.g., 'caring conservatism') or to imply emotional investment.
Frequency
Equally frequent and standard in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “caring” in a Sentence
Be caring towards [someone]Find [someone] caringConsider [someone] caringVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “caring” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She is caring for her elderly mum full-time.
American English
- He'll be caring for the kids while I'm at the conference.
adverb
British English
- He looked at her caringly, understanding her distress.
American English
- She spoke caringly to the upset child.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in HR/CSR contexts: 'We foster a caring corporate culture.'
Academic
In sociology, psychology, or education: 'The study focused on caring labor in the health sector.'
Everyday
Describing people: 'My neighbour is so caring, she always checks in on me.'
Technical
In nursing/medical ethics: 'The principle of caring is central to patient-centred care.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “caring”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “caring”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “caring”
- Confusing 'caring' (adj) with 'taking care of' (verb phrase). Incorrect: *'She is very caring of her plants.' Correct: 'She is very caring towards her plants.' or 'She takes very good care of her plants.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern English, it is far more frequently used as an adjective ('a caring person') than as the present participle of the verb 'to care'. The verb form is usually part of the phrasal verb 'caring for'.
Yes, it is common to describe a company's culture or ethos as 'caring' (e.g., 'a caring employer'), though it can sometimes be seen as corporate jargon.
'Careful' means cautious and attentive to avoiding danger or mistakes. 'Caring' means showing kindness and concern for the well-being of others. They are not synonyms.
Yes, 'uncaring' is the standard antonym, meaning lacking in sympathy or concern for others. 'Indifferent' or 'callous' are stronger near-synonyms for 'uncaring'.
Displaying kindness, concern, and a desire to look after or protect someone or something.
Caring is usually formal, semi-formal, informal in register.
Caring: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkeə.rɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈker.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A shoulder to cry on (related concept, not using 'caring')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A CARING person keeps you in their CAR, ready to give you a lift or help you out.
Conceptual Metaphor
CARING IS NURTURING (like watering a plant); CARING IS WARMTH (providing emotional warmth).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'caring profession'?