ENGLISH
REFERENCE

thoughtful

adj.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈθɔtfəɫ// UK //θˈɔːtfəl// thought·ful

adj. showing that you have spent time thinking about something or someone. You use this to describe a person who is kind and considers other people's feelings, or a thing that shows careful thought.

adj. characterised by careful consideration or attention to detail; showing concern for the needs and feelings of others.


SIMPLE

It was very thoughtful of you to send a card.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager gave a thoughtful response to the employee's concerns, showing she had listened carefully to every point.

COMPLEX

Her latest novel offers a thoughtful meditation on the nature of memory, avoiding easy answers in favor of a more nuanced exploration of human experience.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English thoȝtful, thohtful, equivalent to thought + -ful. Compare Dutch gedachtenvol, Swedish tankfull.

Usage

Typically used to describe both people and their actions or creations. When describing a person's kindness, it often takes the preposition 'of' ('it was thoughtful of you').

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