# mindful

/ˈmaɪndfəɫ/ (US) · /mˈaɪndfəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mindful
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. aware or careful

adjective · CEFR B2

remembering to think about something or being careful not to forget it.

For teachers: maintaining awareness of a specific factor or potential consequence; often takes the preposition 'of'.

- Please be mindful of the neighbors when you leave the party late at night.
- The committee must remain mindful of the budget constraints while selecting the final design for the new library.

Usage: Usually followed by the preposition 'of' and a noun phrase.

Teaching tip: This is the most common everyday use, often appearing in polite requests or professional warnings.

### 2. psychological awareness

adjective · CEFR B2

focusing your mind on the present moment in a calm way.

For teachers: relating to the practice of mindfulness; maintaining a non-judgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, or experiences.

- She takes a few mindful breaths every morning to help her stay calm at work.
- Mindful meditation has been shown to reduce stress levels by encouraging practitioners to observe their thoughts without immediate reaction.

Teaching tip: This sense has become very popular in the context of mental health and wellness over the last decade.

## Examples

- Please be mindful of the step as you exit.
- The company is increasingly mindful of its environmental impact when choosing new suppliers.
- Practicing being mindful during stressful situations allows individuals to observe their emotional responses without becoming overwhelmed by them, fostering a more deliberate and calm reaction.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.