thoughtful

[ thawt-fuhl ]

/ ˈθɔt fəl /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR thoughtful ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

showing consideration for others; considerate.

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.

Nearby words

Origin of thoughtful

Middle English word dating back to 1150–1200; see origin at thought¹, -ful

SYNONYMS FOR thoughtful

1. attentive, solicitous. 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.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR thoughtful ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

thought·ful·ly, adverbthought·ful·ness, nouno·ver·thought·ful, adjectiveo·ver·thought·ful·ly, adverb

o·ver·thought·ful·ness, nounun·thought·ful, adjectiveun·thought·ful·ly, adverbun·thought·ful·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for thoughtfulness

Endowing the feverish, PR-patrolled world of presidential politics with thoughtfulness and poise—now that would be radical.
Inside The Secret World of London’s National Gallery|Tim Teeman|November 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Rueful laughter from both men turned to thoughtfulness in Stittsworth.
The Strange, True Tale of the Old-Timey Goat Testicle-Implanting 'Governor'|Penny Lane|September 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He was a biggish lad, with a boyish, slightly mischievous grin, and thoughtfulness and consideration were seamed in his character.
The James Foley I Knew in the ISIS War Zone|Jamie Dettmer|August 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
His attempts at thoughtfulness fall flat, especially when he attempts On Walden Pond-esque introspection and self-assessment.
Adam Levine Is Off the Market… Thank God|Emily Shire|July 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Almost everyone who knew Bush even distantly, from either side of the aisle, has a story of his thoughtfulness or compassion.
The Twilight Vindication of George H.W. Bush|Mark K. Updegrove|October 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
And he returned from the gate to the house in thoughtfulness.
Children of the Soil|Henryk Sienkiewicz
Simon, exceedingly flattered by what he deemed Barelle's thoughtfulness for him, acquiesced at once.
When a Cobbler Ruled a King|Augusta Huiell Seaman
There was a thoughtfulness about her which alone showed that she was a woman of no ordinary power.
Can You Forgive Her?|Anthony Trollope
With his usual care and thoughtfulness he had telegraphed to his friend Mr. Wills, to summon us to town to meet him.
My Father as I Recall Him|Mamie Dickens
She carried herself with thoughtfulness and simplicity, seeming naturally indifferent.
The "Genius"|Theodore Dreiser

British Dictionary definitions for thoughtfulness

thoughtful

/ (ˈθɔːtfʊl) /

adjective

considerate in the treatment of other people

showing careful thought

pensive; reflective

Derived Formsthoughtfully, adverbthoughtfulness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for thoughtfulness

thoughtful

adj.

c.1200, "contemplative," from thought + -ful. Also in Middle English, "prudent; moody, anxious." Meaning "showing consideration for others" is from 1851 (cf. thoughtless.) Related: Thoughtfully; thoughtfulness.

thoughtful

adjective

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Origin of thoughtful

Examples from the Web for thoughtfulness

thoughtful

adjective

thoughtful