thoughtful
THAWT-fuhl
Thoughtful (adj) means showing careful thinking or consideration. Example: “She gave a thoughtful answer after pausing to consider the question.”
adj
1
Showing careful thinking or consideration.
"She gave a thoughtful answer after pausing to consider the question."
"His thoughtful essay weighed both sides before reaching a careful conclusion."
"They had a thoughtful discussion about whether the plan was really worth the risk."
2
Kind and considerate toward others.
"It was thoughtful of him to bring flowers for the host."
"The nurse was thoughtful, always checking on her patients' comfort."
"A thoughtful neighbour left soup on our doorstep when we were all ill."
How to use thoughtful
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither deep in thought, or kind and considerate of other people's feelings.
Common pairings
a thoughtful gesture
thoughtful gift
thoughtful reply
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more thoughtful
- Superlative
- most thoughtful
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She gave a _____ answer after pausing to consider the question.
Etymology
From Middle English thoȝtful, built from thought plus -ful.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “thoughtful” mean?
The word “thoughtful” means showing careful thinking or consideration. In plain terms, either deep in thought, or kind and considerate of other people's feelings.
How do you pronounce “thoughtful”?
“Thoughtful” is pronounced THAWT-fuhl (/ˈθɔtfəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “thoughtful” in a sentence?
Here is “thoughtful” used in a sentence: “She gave a thoughtful answer after pausing to consider the question.”
What is another word for “thoughtful”?
Words with a similar meaning to “thoughtful” include attentive, careful, caring, cogitative, considerate and contemplative.
What is the opposite of “thoughtful”?
The opposite of “thoughtful” — its antonyms — is thoughtless.
What part of speech is “thoughtful”?
“Thoughtful” is an adjective.
Where does the word “thoughtful” come from?
The word “thoughtful” comes from Middle English. From Middle English thoȝtful, built from thought plus -ful.
Is “thoughtful” a common word?
“Thoughtful” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "thoughtful" and "considerate"?
"Thoughtful" can describe either careful thinking or kindness toward others, while "considerate" specifically means being mindful of other people's feelings and needs. In practice, the two overlap heavily when "thoughtful" is used in its kindness sense, such as a thoughtful gift.
What is the difference between "thoughtful" and "pensive"?
"Pensive" describes someone deep in serious or wistful thought, often with a quiet or reflective mood, while "thoughtful" more broadly covers careful thinking or kindness toward others. A person can look pensive without being especially thoughtful toward others in the caring sense.
What does it mean to call a gift "thoughtful"?
A "thoughtful gift" is one chosen with careful consideration of the recipient's tastes, needs, or feelings, rather than picked at random. The word highlights the care and attention behind the choice, not just the value of the item.
