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

• thoughtfulness noun
• thoughtfully adverb
• 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’s up to universities to address what has gone wrong within their walls and to restore the values and practices that make for genuine liberal arts learning—and thoughtful, responsible citizens.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The instructions allowed students to incorporate personal experience or perspective, but emphasized thoughtful engagement with the original article.

Read more on Salon

Without thoughtful intervention, these dense seaweed mats could gradually undermine hatchling survival and long-term conservation efforts.

Read more on Science Daily

It frequently evokes a story or thoughtful answer.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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