2 care
Function:
verbInflected forms:
cares; cared; car·ingMeaning:
1 : to feel interest in something : to be interested in or concerned about something [no obj] ▪ He doesn't care if he gets fired. —often + about ▪ I don't care about your little problems. ▪ He cares deeply about religion. [+ obj] ▪ I care what happens to her.
2 [no obj] : to feel affection for someone ▪ On Valentine's Day, send her flowers to show that you care. ▪ I didn't know you cared.
3 [no obj] somewhat formal : to want to do something or to be something ▪ I wouldn't care [=like] to have to make that decision. ▪ I wouldn't care to be in your shoes right now. ▪ I'm going for a walk. Would you care to join me? ▪ He'll show the photos to anyone who cares to see them. ▪ More factors influenced her decision than she cares to admit.
2 [no obj] : to feel affection for someone ▪ On Valentine's Day, send her flowers to show that you care. ▪ I didn't know you cared.
3 [no obj] somewhat formal : to want to do something or to be something ▪ I wouldn't care [=like] to have to make that decision. ▪ I wouldn't care to be in your shoes right now. ▪ I'm going for a walk. Would you care to join me? ▪ He'll show the photos to anyone who cares to see them. ▪ More factors influenced her decision than she cares to admit.
as if I cared
informal —used in angry speech to say that you do not care at all about something ▪ “She says she doesn't want to talk to you.” “As if I cared!”
care a damn —see 3damn
care for [phrasal verb]
1 care for (someone or something) : to do the things that are needed to help and protect (a person or animal) : to look after (someone or something) ▪ She cares for [=takes care of] elderly patients. ▪ Who is caring for your son while you are at work? ▪ I cared for his cat while he was away.
2 care for (someone) : to feel affection for (someone) ▪ He sent flowers to show that he cares for you. ▪ I got the feeling he never really cared for me.
3 care for (something) somewhat formal a : to like or enjoy (something) —often used in negative statements ▪ I don't care for [=like] jelly beans. ▪ He doesn't care for sports. ▪ I don't care for your tone of voice. b : to want (something) ▪ Would you care for some pie? ▪ I don't care for any more coffee.
2 care for (someone) : to feel affection for (someone) ▪ He sent flowers to show that he cares for you. ▪ I got the feeling he never really cared for me.
3 care for (something) somewhat formal a : to like or enjoy (something) —often used in negative statements ▪ I don't care for [=like] jelly beans. ▪ He doesn't care for sports. ▪ I don't care for your tone of voice. b : to want (something) ▪ Would you care for some pie? ▪ I don't care for any more coffee.
could/couldn't care less
informal ◊If you could care less (US) or couldn't care less, you are not at all concerned about or interested in something. ▪ I could care less what happens. [=I don't care what happens] ▪ He says he couldn't care less if he gets fired.
for all (someone) cares
informal —used to say that someone does not care at all about something ▪ For all I care, he can leave today. [=I don't care if he leaves today] ▪ She could quit the whole thing, for all he cares.
see if I care
informal —used in angry speech to say that you do not care at all about something ▪ Go ahead and call her. See if I care!
what does (someone) care?
informal —used to say that you do not think someone should have any interest in something ▪ “She said we should go.” “Well, what does she care?”
who cares?
informal —used to stress that something is not important. ▪ He can't carry a tune, but who cares? He's having fun and that's what matters. ▪ Who cares what she says? [=what she says is not important]