thoughtful

adjective

thought·​ful ˈthȯt-fəl 

1

a

: absorbed in thought : meditative

b

: characterized by careful reasoned thinking

a thoughtful essay

2

a

: having thoughts : heedful

became thoughtful about religion

b

: given to or chosen or made with heedful anticipation of the needs and wants of others

a kind and thoughtful friend

thoughtfully

ˈthȯt-fə-lē 

adverb

thoughtfulness noun

Synonyms

• attentive
• considerate
• kind
• solicitous

Examples of thoughtful in a Sentence

She looked at me with a thoughtful expression.

He looked thoughtful for a moment.

Her husband is always thoughtful.

That's very thoughtful of you.

Recent Examples on the Web

Kenneth: Strong, stylish, and elegant, Kenneth is a thoughtful choice. —Kara Nesvig, Parents, 19 Dec. 2024

By moving beyond consensus, leaders can inspire more thoughtful, informed decisions that drive better outcomes. 2. —Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Who wouldn’t be crazy in love after receiving gifts that balanced the beautifully thoughtful with the extremely expensive? —Maura Johnston, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024

This artistic overtone continues throughout the grounds — from the bustling lobby area, which doubles as a bookshop and lounge, to the hallways covered in site-specific art and the guest rooms, which nod to Brazilian culture with thoughtful trinkets. —Dalya Benor, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

thoughtful

adjective

thought·​ful ˈthȯt-fəl 

1

a

: lost in thought

b

: marked by careful thinking

a thoughtful essay

2

: considerate of the needs of others

a kind and thoughtful friend

thoughtfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

thoughtfulness noun