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care2 S1 W3 [intransitive and transitive]
1 to think that something is important, so that you are interested in it, worried about it etc
2 to be concerned about what happens to someone, because you like or love them [↪ caring]
She felt that nobody cared.
care about
I care about him and hate to see him hurt like this.
I care about him and hate to see him hurt like this.
She felt that nobody cared.3 used to say that something does not worry or upset you because it is not important :
It's rather old and scruffy, but who cares?
who cares?
spoken
It's rather old and scruffy, but who cares?4 used when you are angry or upset, to say that you do not care about what someone will do :
Go with William, then - see if I care!
see if I care!
spoken
Go with William, then - see if I care!5 used to say that someone does not care at all about something :
I really couldn't care less what you think!
somebody couldn't care less
spoken
I really couldn't care less what you think!6 used to say that someone does not care at all about something :
What do I care? It's your responsibility now!
what does somebody care?
spoken
What do I care? It's your responsibility now!7 used to say that something is not important to you at all :
As if I cared whether he comes with us or not!
as if I cared!
spoken
As if I cared whether he comes with us or not!8 used when you are angry that someone does not seem concerned about someone or something :
We could be starving for all they care!
for all somebody cares
spoken
We could be starving for all they care!9 to not like doing something :
She doesn't care to spend much time with her relatives.
I wouldn't care to meet him in a dark alley!
not care to do something
old-fashioned
She doesn't care to spend much time with her relatives.
I wouldn't care to meet him in a dark alley!10 any thing of a particular kind :
Virtually any piece of equipment you care to name can be hired these days.
any ... you care to name/mention
Virtually any piece of equipment you care to name can be hired these days.11 used to ask someone politely whether they want to do something :
Would you care to join us for dinner?
would you care to do something?
spoken formal
Would you care to join us for dinner?care for somebody/something
phrasal verb1 to look after someone who is not able to look after themselves [= take care of]:
He thanked the nurses who had cared for him.
The children are well cared for.
He thanked the nurses who had cared for him.
The children are well cared for.2 to do things that keep something in good condition :
Instructions on caring for your new sofa are included.
Instructions on caring for your new sofa are included.3 used to ask someone politely if they would like something :
Would you care for another drink?
would you care for something?
spoken formal
Would you care for another drink?4 to not like someone or something :
I don't much care for his parents.
not care for somebody/something
formal
I don't much care for his parents.