thoughtful

[thawt-fuhl]

adjective

1. showing consideration for others; considerate.

   Synonyms: solicitous, attentive

2. characterized by or manifesting careful thought.

   a thoughtful essay.

3. occupied with or given to thought; contemplative; meditative; reflective.

   in a thoughtful mood.

4. careful, heedful, or mindful.

   to be thoughtful of one's safety.

thoughtful

/ ˈθɔːtfʊl /

adjective

1. considerate in the treatment of other people

2. showing careful thought

3. pensive; reflective

Other Word Forms

• thoughtfully adverb
• thoughtfulness noun
• overthoughtful adjective
• overthoughtfully adverb
• unthoughtful adjective
• unthoughtfully adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of thoughtful¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English; thought ¹ + -ful

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

It frequently evokes a story or thoughtful answer.

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In conversation the singer is thoughtful, humble and, to use his own lyrics, now he’s reached that age and stage where he “tried to do all those things the best I can.”

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To help narrow the field, we rounded up a handful of thoughtful splurges that earn their keep year-round.

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Sneaking that kind of thoughtful material into sitcoms is what Schur does best, Ellis says.

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Seeing a film in what the venue calls “shared reality” can be all-encompassing and yet intimate as well as communal and, if everything works out, somewhat thoughtful.

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Related Words

• astute 
• attentive 
• careful 
• cautious 
• considerate 
• courteous 
• deliberate 
• discreet 
• friendly 
• gracious 
• helpful 
• polite 
• prudent 
• tactful