Word
thoughtful
Phoneticsthought·ful, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈθɔtfəɫ/
UK/θˈɔːtfəl/
Definitions
01kind and considerate
B1 · Intermediate
adj. thinking about what other people need or what will make them happy.
adj. demonstrating kindness by anticipating the needs or feelings of others.
“It was very thoughtful of you to send me a card while I was in the hospital.”
“The host's thoughtful gesture of providing a quiet room for the elderly guests was noted and appreciated by everyone at the wedding.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02serious and quiet
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. quiet because you are thinking seriously about something.
adj. absorbed in or showing signs of serious or careful reflection.
“He had a thoughtful look on his face as he listened to the teacher's explanation.”
“The professor remained thoughtful for a long moment before responding to the student's complex question about ethical philosophy.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03well-planned
C1 · Advanced Academic
adj. showing that a lot of careful thought went into making or doing something.
adj. characterized by careful reasoning or meticulous planning.
“The author provides a thoughtful analysis of the country's history in her new book.”
“The committee produced a thoughtful report that addressed the systemic issues within the organisation rather than merely treating the symptoms.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “thoughtful” in context.
Verb
01. become thoughtful
“He became thoughtful as he stared out at the ocean, reflecting on his past decisions.”
verb + adj
02. give a thoughtful response
“The candidate gave a thoughtful response to the difficult question about economic reform.”
verb + adj + noun
03. remain thoughtful
“Despite the chaotic environment, she managed to remain thoughtful and composed.”
verb + adj
Adjective
04. deeply thoughtful
“The professor provided a deeply thoughtful analysis of the geopolitical situation.”
adv + adj
05. thoughtful of others
“It was very thoughtful of others to bring food for the family during their time of grief.”
adj + prep + noun
06. thoughtful to consider
“It was thoughtful to consider the dietary restrictions of all the guests before planning the menu.”
adj + infinitive
Noun
07. thoughtful expression
“He had a thoughtful expression on his face while he listened to the symphony.”
adj + noun
08. thoughtful gesture
“Sending flowers was a thoughtful gesture that really brightened her day.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“Looking at photos of other people’s social lives can make one feel like that too; at the same time, it’s not hard to see ourselves in these tired, happy and thoughtful faces.” “She is also under pressure from her reliable, thoughtful partner, Greg, to have a baby, when what she urgently wants is freedom to paint.” “Spare, dry and elegant, with transporting two-colour illustrations, this thoughtful 7+ book is laced with just the right amount of peril.” Etymology
From Middle English thoȝtful, thohtful, equivalent to thought + -ful. Compare Dutch gedachtenvol, Swedish tankfull.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/thoughtful