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

Derived Forms

• ˈthoughtfulness, noun
• ˈthoughtfully, adverb

Other Words From

• thought·ful·ly adverb
• thought·ful·ness noun
• o·ver·thought·ful adjective
• o·ver·thought·ful·ly adverb
• un·thought·ful adjective
• un·thought·ful·ly 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

One of Streeting’s team told me: “Wes has approached this issue in a genuine, thoughtful and considerate way, setting out his own view while respecting others’ views.”

From BBC

A chat with Ben Foster is not a quick, breezy BS session: From the moment he arrives in the French restaurant Lucien, he’s laser-focused, asking his own questions, then offering considered, thoughtful answers.

From Los Angeles Times

Reflecting on the brand’s growth, CoComelon General Manager Patrick Reese said the company is thoughtful about the needs of its young audience and its own legacy in children’s media.

From Los Angeles Times

Neame says the actors’ thoughtful involvement made the final product “even better.”

From Los Angeles Times

For the record, I appreciated his performance and I mostly enjoyed watching “Heretic,” which, though predictable at times, sounds all the requisite creepy notes while still being more thoughtful and less bloody than much of the genre.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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