Thoughtful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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thoughtful

[ˈθɔːtfʊl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a reflective manner

Showing careful consideration or attention; reflective; meditative.

Synonyms

caring, considerate, contemplative, reflective.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thoughtful	Used to describe someone who is considerate and pays attention to the needs and feelings of others. She gave him a thoughtful gift for his birthday. His thoughtful gesture meant a lot to her.
considerate	Implies a person who is polite and respectful, thinking about how their actions affect others. Please be considerate of others while speaking on the phone. She is always considerate towards her neighbors.
reflective	Describes someone who spends time thinking carefully about things that have happened, their actions, and their feelings. In a reflective mood, he wrote in his journal. She had a reflective conversation with her mentor about her career goals.
contemplative	Used when someone is deeply thinking or meditating on something, often in a calm and serious manner. After a long, contemplative walk, he made his decision. She spent a contemplative afternoon at the park, thinking about her future.
caring	Describes someone who shows kindness and concern for others, often in a nurturing or protective way. He's a caring father and always puts his children first. Her caring nature makes her a great nurse.

Examples of usage

She was a thoughtful and kind person.
He gave a thoughtful response to her question.
The thoughtful expression on her face indicated deep contemplation.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

showing consideration for others

Considerate of the needs of other people.

Synonyms

attentive, caring, considerate, kind.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thoughtful	Used when someone is deep in thought or reflecting carefully on something, and also when they show careful consideration for others. She was very thoughtful, always remembering everyone's birthdays He had a thoughtful expression as he pondered the problem
considerate	Describes someone who takes into account other people's feelings and needs, often acting in a way that avoids inconveniencing or hurting them. He is always considerate, never forgetting to thank those who help him It was considerate of her to call ahead and let us know she'd be late
kind	Used to describe someone who is friendly, generous, and compassionate in a general sense. She is kind to everyone she meets, always ready to lend a hand or offer a smile His kind heart has made a difference in many people's lives
caring	Used to describe someone who shows kindness and concern for others, often in a nurturing way. She is very caring, always looking out for her friends and family His caring nature made him a favorite among the children
attentive	Best when describing someone who pays close attention to details and the needs and feelings of others. The nurse was very attentive to the patient's needs He was an attentive student, always listening carefully in class

Examples of usage

He always remembers my birthday, he is so thoughtful.
She did a thoughtful gesture by bringing him soup when he was sick.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Being thoughtful can strengthen relationships, as it improves communication and shows empathy.
Research indicates that engaging in thoughtful acts can increase overall happiness for both the giver and the receiver.

Literature

In many novels, characters who are thoughtful are often portrayed as heroes because they care about others.
Thoughtfulness is a common theme in poetry, often used to explore human emotions and connections.

Cultural Significance

In various cultures, being thoughtful is seen as a virtue, often associated with wisdom and maturity.
Gift-giving traditions in many societies highlight thoughtfulness, as personalized gifts show care and consideration.

Pop Culture

Movies often depict the thoughtful friend as the one who resolves conflicts by considering everyone's feelings.
Songs frequently celebrate thoughtfulness in relationships, emphasizing how it can deepen love and connection.

Origin of 'thoughtful'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from 'thought,' which means what goes on in our minds, combined with 'full,' meaning filled up.
This term has been used since the 1500s to describe someone who is considerate or caring.

The word 'thoughtful' originates from the Middle English 'thoughtful', which meant 'full of thought, contemplative'. It dates back to the 13th century. The base word 'thought' comes from the Old English 'thōht', which means 'act of thinking'. Over time, 'thoughtful' has evolved to encompass the qualities of consideration, reflection, and care towards others.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,416 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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