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

Whether for a grand occasion like a wedding or a simpler celebration like a kid’s birthday party, there’s no denying the joy that comes with a thoughtful piece of paper that’s been stuffed into an envelope, stamped, and sent on its merry, snail-mail way. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 7 Dec. 2024

Startups have to be thoughtful about access to public transit while also catering to people who drive. —Salvador Rodriguez, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2024

Early in his career, as a federal prosecutor and national security lawyer at the Justice Department, Donald Trump’s current pick to head the FBI was thoughtful and level headed, according to a senior national security official who knew him during those years. —Brian Bennett, TIME, 5 Dec. 2024

This story took the platform by storm, with commenters showering praise on the thoughtful husband. —Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 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