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

Sinclair decided to reinstate the late-night talk show after "thoughtful feedback from viewers, advertisers, and community leaders".

From BBC

“He was serious and thoughtful about his career, not bitter but not exuberant either,” said Waldman, who ended up writing a musical based on a fictionalized version of the Headhunters.

From Los Angeles Times

On Monday, Disney announced it would bring back the show after "having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy".

From BBC

“We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday,” the statement said.

From Los Angeles Times

"We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday," Disney said.

From BBC

Related Words

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