thoughtful

/ˈθɔtfəl/

/ˈθɔtfəl/

You are thoughtful if you consider how your actions and words will affect other people’s feelings. It is thoughtful to cook your friend's favorite dish when you invite him over for dinner.

The adjective thoughtful describes someone who pays attention or considers others' feelings when they speak and act. If your friend is heartbroken about a recent break-up, holding off on gushing about your new love is the thoughtful thing to do. Thoughtful can also describe intellectual depth, like a thoughtful essay on a well-known poem that focuses on a line that other scholars have overlooked.

Definitions of thoughtful

1. adjective

   exhibiting or characterized by careful thought
   “a thoughtful paper”

   synonyms:

   considerate

   showing concern for the rights and feelings of others

   bemused, deep in thought, lost, preoccupied

   deeply absorbed in thought

   brooding, broody, contemplative, meditative, musing, pensive, pondering, reflective, ruminative

   deeply or seriously thoughtful

   cogitative

   given to cogitation

   well thought out

   resulting from careful thought

   deliberative

   involved in or characterized by deliberation and discussion and examination

   excogitative

   concerned with excogitating or having the power of excogitation

   antonyms:

   thoughtless

   showing lack of careful thought

   inconsiderate

   lacking regard for the rights or feelings of others

   inconsiderate, unconsidered

   without proper consideration or reflection

   unreflective, unthinking, unthoughtful

   not exhibiting or characterized by careful thought
2. adjective

   acting with or showing thought and good sense
   synonyms: serious-minded

   serious

   concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
3. adjective

   taking heed; giving close and thoughtful attention
   synonyms: attentive, heedful, paying attention
4. adjective

   considerate of the feelings or well-being of others
   synonyms:

   considerate

   showing concern for the rights and feelings of others
5. adjective

   having intellectual depth
   “a deeply thoughtful essay”

   synonyms:

   profound

   showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth