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
Synonym Usage
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
Etymology
Origin of thoughtful
First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English; thought 1 + -ful
Explanation
You are thoughtful if you consider how your actions and words will affect other people’s feelings. It is thoughtful to cook your friend's favorite dish when you invite him over for dinner. The adjective thoughtful describes someone who pays attention or considers others' feelings when they speak and act. If your friend is heartbroken about a recent break-up, holding off on gushing about your new love is the thoughtful thing to do. Thoughtful can also describe intellectual depth, like a thoughtful essay on a well-known poem that focuses on a line that other scholars have overlooked.
Vocabulary lists containing thoughtful
myPerspectives 6.2
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Words to Describe a Friend
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Words to Describe a Novel or a Story
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
“Avery was a devoted son, brother, and thoughtful young man. The light he brought into every room touched everyone who knew him,” the GoFundMe page reads.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026
“If you’re a very thoughtful, planful person in life, you’ll approach death the same way.”
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 20, 2026
Natalie was described "a gentle and thoughtful young woman" who enjoyed reading and was "fiercely intelligent".
From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026
But his highest level of fame came from playing a thoughtful paleontologist summoned to an island off Costa Rica full of cloned dinosaurs in “Jurassic Park” in 1993.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2026
As I told Mr. Lewin about the disappearances, he nodded sagely, his mouth cocked in a thoughtful smile.
From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros
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.
