# thoughtful

/ˈθɔtfəɫ/ (US) · /θˈɔːtfəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/thoughtful
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. kind and considerate

adjective · CEFR B1

thinking about what other people need or what will make them happy.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. serious and quiet

adjective · CEFR B2

quiet because you are thinking seriously about something.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. well-planned

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

showing that a lot of careful thought went into making or doing something.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- It was very thoughtful of you to send a card.
- The manager gave a thoughtful response to the employee's concerns, showing she had listened carefully to every point.
- 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.

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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.