thoughtful
- 01 B1 Intermediate
thinking about what other people need or what will make them happy.
demonstrating kindness by anticipating the needs or feelings of others.
Simple“It was very thoughtful of you to send me a card while I was in the hospital.”
In context“The host's thoughtful gesture of providing a quiet room for the elderly guests was noted and appreciated by everyone at the wedding.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
quiet because you are thinking seriously about something.
absorbed in or showing signs of serious or careful reflection.
Simple“He had a thoughtful look on his face as he listened to the teacher's explanation.”
In context“The professor remained thoughtful for a long moment before responding to the student's complex question about ethical philosophy.”
SynonymsAntonymsvacuousshallow - 03 C1 Advanced
showing that a lot of careful thought went into making or doing something.
characterized by careful reasoning or meticulous planning.
Simple“The author provides a thoughtful analysis of the country's history in her new book.”
In context“The committee produced a thoughtful report that addressed the systemic issues within the organisation rather than merely treating the symptoms.”
Synonyms
“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.”
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.