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

"We'd love to hear from people about how we can create thoughtful, living ways to remember those who've passed in the landscapes we steward."

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“This is a time that calls for thoughtful, mass action,” Wong told The Times in an interview in July.

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Those running the show at Ibrox say a "rigorous, thoughtful recruitment process" is under way.

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I’m going to come up with a thoughtful way to distribute the resources.

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You’re doing a postmortem of the relationship, as any smart, thoughtful person would.

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Related Words

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