care for

/keər fɔːr/

phrase★Intermediate— to like or be fond of someone or something

informal

To feel affection or concern for someone or something

He doesn't care for spicy food.

He doesn't like spicy food.

The nurse cares for the elderly patients with kindness.

The nurse takes care of the elderly patients with kindness.

💡

This phrase can express both emotional attachment and responsibility.

informal

To take care of or look after someone or something

Can you care for the dog while I'm away?

Can you take care of the dog while I'm away?

💡

This usage is more about responsibility than affection.

Collocations

care for someoneto feel affection for someonecare for somethingto like or be fond of somethingcare for the sickto take care of sick people

to look after someone or something

to take responsibility for someone or something

The meaning of 'care for' depends on context—whether it's about affection or responsibility.

Use 'care for' when expressing affection or responsibility, but clarify with context if needed.

From Middle English 'caren' (to grieve) + 'for' (in favor of). The phrase developed to mean both emotional attachment and practical care.

The phrase can be ambiguous—context determines whether it means emotional affection or practical responsibility.

care

to feel affection or take responsibility

root

for

in favor of or toward

preposition

English Dictionary