Thoughtful
/ˈθɔːtfəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsShowing consideration and careful thought.
/ˈθɔːtfəl/
Showing consideration or thoughtfulness
It was very thoughtful of you to remember my birthday.
💡 Simply: Being thoughtful is like when you're considering someone else's feelings and doing something nice for them. Like, you might bring a friend a get-well gift because you knew they were feeling down. It’s about putting other people first.
👶 For kids: When you are thoughtful, you think about other people's feelings and try to be nice to them.
More Examples
She gave a thoughtful response to the question.
He is a thoughtful and kind person.
How It's Used
"A thoughtful gesture"
"He's a thoughtful husband."
Absorbed in thought; contemplative.
/ˈθɔːtfəl/
Engaged in or reflecting deep or serious thought.
He was quiet and thoughtful, staring out the window.
💡 Simply: When you’re thoughtful, you’re really thinking hard about something, maybe puzzling over a problem or just reflecting on something important. It's like when you're staring off into space, trying to solve a puzzle.
👶 For kids: When you are thoughtful, you are thinking very hard about something.
More Examples
The painting evoked a thoughtful mood.
She took a thoughtful pause before answering.
How It's Used
"A thoughtful silence filled the room."
"She sat in a thoughtful mood."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
thoughtful silence
A period of quiet reflection or deep thinking.
"After the announcement, there was a thoughtful silence in the room."
From Middle English *thoughtful*, equivalent to *thought* + *-ful*. Related to Old English *þohtful*.
The word has been used since the 14th century, evolving from its early meanings related to contemplation.
Memory tip
Think of a thoughtful gift – it shows someone was thinking of you.