Thoughtfulness: meaning, definitions and examples

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thoughtfulness

[ˈθɔːtf(ʊ)lnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

showing care and consideration

The quality of being thoughtful; consideration for others. Thoughtfulness involves being kind, empathetic, and attentive to the needs and feelings of those around you. It is a thoughtful act to remember someone's birthday or to offer a listening ear when they are going through a tough time.

Synonyms

consideration, empathy, kindness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thoughtfulness	This word is often used to describe someone who is attentive and deliberate in their actions and words, showing care and concern for others. It can be used in both formal and informal settings. Her thoughtfulness in remembering everyone's birthdays was appreciated by all. The teacher praised the student's thoughtfulness when he helped a classmate who was struggling.
consideration	Consideration refers to the process of thinking about the feelings and needs of others before taking action. It is commonly used when discussing fair and respectful behavior, typically in formal or semi-formal situations. His consideration for his neighbor's wellbeing was evident when he mowed their lawn while they were on vacation. The manager showed great consideration by providing flexible working hours for employees with young children.
kindness	Kindness refers to the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. It is broadly applicable and often used in both casual and formal conversations to highlight good and selfless behavior. The dog's kindness was evident in how it cuddled up to the child who was crying. Acts of kindness, like donating to a food bank, can have a big impact on the community.
empathy	Empathy is used when describing the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It is often employed in emotional or psychological contexts, and is essential for building strong, compassionate relationships. Her empathy was clear when she listened patiently to her friend's problems without judgment. Counselors are trained to exhibit empathy to better support their clients.

Examples of usage

She showed great thoughtfulness by sending a heartfelt card to her friend who was feeling down.
His thoughtfulness was evident in the way he always remembered to ask about his coworkers' families.
It was a thoughtful gesture of thoughtfulness when she brought homemade soup to her sick neighbor.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

philosophical inquiry

The act of engaging in deep, reflective thinking; philosophical pondering. Thoughtfulness in this context involves contemplating life's big questions, exploring different perspectives, and seeking meaning and understanding. Philosophers often exhibit thoughtfulness in their pursuit of truth and wisdom.

Synonyms

contemplation, philosophy, reflection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thoughtfulness	Use 'thoughtfulness' when referring to someone being considerate and showing care for others' feelings or needs. 'Her thoughtfulness in bringing me soup when I was sick was deeply appreciated ' 'His thoughtfulness shows in the way he always remembers everyone's birthdays '
contemplation	Use 'contemplation' when referring to deep thinking or serious consideration, often in a calm and focused manner. 'She spent the evening in contemplation of her future ' 'His contemplation of the painting revealed its many hidden details '
reflection	Use 'reflection' when referring to careful thought, especially after something has happened or in retrospect. 'After much reflection, she decided to change her career path ' 'His reflection on the past year revealed many achievements and lessons learned '
philosophy	Use 'philosophy' when referring to a study or belief system about fundamental truths, principles, or questions of existence, knowledge, and ethics. 'Her philosophy of life is to stay positive no matter the circumstances ' 'He studied ancient Greek philosophy to understand the roots of modern thought '

Examples of usage

She demonstrated her thoughtfulness through her philosophical essays on the nature of existence.
The thoughtfulness of his reflections on human nature impressed his peers in the philosophy department.
Engaging in thoughtfulness helped her gain insight into the complexities of ethical dilemmas.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Research shows that being thoughtful can increase happiness for both the giver and the receiver.
Mindfulness practices encourage thoughtfulness by promoting awareness of others' emotions and needs.

Literature

Many classic novels emphasize the theme of thoughtfulness, showcasing characters that make sacrifices for others.
Poets like Emily Dickinson often wrote about deep, reflective thoughtfulness in their works.

Social Skills

Practicing thoughtfulness can improve relationships by fostering trust and cooperation among friends.
Small acts of thoughtfulness, like remembering a friend's birthday, can strengthen social bonds.

Education

Teaching children about thoughtfulness can help develop empathy and social responsibility from a young age.
In classroom settings, thoughtfulness is often encouraged through group projects that require collaboration.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures celebrate thoughtfulness through various customs, like gift-giving or communal meals.
In some cultures, being thoughtful is tied to concepts of respect and honor, reflecting one's character and upbringing.

Translations

Translations of the word "thoughtfulness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pensamento

🇮🇳 विचारशीलता

🇩🇪 Nachdenklichkeit

🇮🇩 kepikiran

🇺🇦 розсудливість

🇵🇱 rozwaga

🇯🇵 思いやり

🇫🇷 réflexion

🇪🇸 reflexión

🇹🇷 düşüncelilik

🇰🇷 사려

🇸🇦 تأمل

🇨🇿 uvážlivost

🇸🇰 uvážlivosť

🇨🇳 深思

🇸🇮 premišljenost

🇮🇸 hugsunarsemi

🇰🇿 ойланушылық

🇬🇪 განჯიბრება

🇦🇿 düşüncəlilik

🇲🇽 reflexión

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,802, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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23799 macho
23800 chubby
23801 luring
23802 thoughtfulness
23803 millinery
23804 authenticate
23805 proscription
...