thoughtfulness

[thawt-fuhl-nis]

noun

1. the characteristic or habit of anticipating and being attentive to the needs and interests of others.

   I was touched by the thoughtfulness of the busy waitress, who rushed to open the heavy door for me when I left.

2. the quality of showing careful, thorough reflection.

   The thoughtfulness of your interview questions really helped all the participants get to know the candidate.

3. a contemplative or meditative state or quality; pensiveness.

   He stood looking down at them in gloomy thoughtfulness.

4. the quality of being careful, heedful, or mindful (usually followed by of).

   Solving problems requires not just knowledge of advanced technology, but thoughtfulness of context and application.

Other Word Forms

• overthoughtfulness noun
• unthoughtfulness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of thoughtfulness¹

thoughtful ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Related Words

• kindness