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
Related Words
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
- overthoughtful adjective
- overthoughtfully adverb
- thoughtfully adverb
- thoughtfulness noun
- unthoughtful adjective
- unthoughtfully adverb
Etymology
Origin of thoughtful
First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English; thought 1 + -ful
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.
“I do see that. But I also see your sweetness. And your thoughtful nature. And your busy, busy mind.”
From Literature
“He’s very thoughtful and considered in his work,” the filmmaker says.
From Los Angeles Times
Philosophers and child psychologists have dozens of thoughtful opinions about what mothers are or should be to their children.
From Salon
It’s also thoughtful of her to offer payment, since not every family makes such arrangements — many simply assume grandparents will take on childcare.
From MarketWatch
“He was the most thoughtful, loving and supportive man to his soulmate April, and the most caring, involved, fun, kind and loving parent, and best friend, to his daughter Brody.”
From Los Angeles Times
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.
