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

StopWaste, a waste reduction public agency in Alameda County, California, has developed a number of thoughtful approaches to food waste for schools in their county.

From Salon

“Not only is he the best at what he does but he is truly the most thoughtful and kindest man in the world.”

From Los Angeles Times

"Jon was an interesting and thoughtful person, he had some stunning dramatic performances on stage and on screen and the country is still in stitches from the magic that was D'Unbelievables."

From BBC

They indulge in the kind of low-key thoughtful discussion rarely seen on TV or streaming.

From Los Angeles Times

The filmmaker said that he allowed Stewart to see work-in-progress versions of the documentary “three or four times” and “engaged in thoughtful conversations with her and her team about it.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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