thoughtful
Americanadjective
-
showing consideration for others; considerate.
- Synonyms:
- solicitous, attentive
-
characterized by or manifesting careful thought.
a thoughtful essay.
-
occupied with or given to thought; contemplative; meditative; reflective.
in a thoughtful mood.
-
careful, heedful, or mindful.
to be thoughtful of one's safety.
adjective
-
considerate in the treatment of other people
-
showing careful thought
-
pensive; reflective
Synonym Usage
Thoughtful, considerate mean taking thought for the comfort and the good of others. Thoughtful implies providing little attentions, offering services, or in some way looking out for the comfort or welfare of others: It was thoughtful of you to send the flowers. Considerate implies sparing others annoyance or discomfort, and being careful not to hurt their feelings: not considerate of his family.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of thoughtful
First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English; thought 1 + -ful
Explanation
You are thoughtful if you consider how your actions and words will affect other people’s feelings. It is thoughtful to cook your friend's favorite dish when you invite him over for dinner. The adjective thoughtful describes someone who pays attention or considers others' feelings when they speak and act. If your friend is heartbroken about a recent break-up, holding off on gushing about your new love is the thoughtful thing to do. Thoughtful can also describe intellectual depth, like a thoughtful essay on a well-known poem that focuses on a line that other scholars have overlooked.
Vocabulary lists containing thoughtful
myPerspectives 6.2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Thoughtful retirement policy won’t solve every caregiving challenge.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026
Thoughtful practicality is its own form of intimacy.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026
Thoughtful restraint seems like a better strategy than rushing into put and call options and stocks when many sophisticated investors have little idea how to price the passing scene.
From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025
Thoughtful litigators and academics are working out how to get out.
From Slate • May 8, 2024
"Thank you, thank you, O Most Generous and Thoughtful One!" chorused the ancient witches.
From "The Witches" by Roald Dahl
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
