thoughtful

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

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈθɔːtfl/
• (General American) enPR: thôt’fl, IPA^(key): /ˈθɔtfl/
• (cot–caught merger) enPR: thät’fl, IPA^(key): /ˈθɑtfl/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

• Hyphenation: thought‧ful

thoughtful (comparative more thoughtful, superlative most thoughtful)

1. Demonstrating thought or careful consideration.

   Synonyms: careful, contemplative, pensive, thoughty

   Most thoughtful people eventually solve the puzzle.

   • 1859, Edward Fitzgerald, The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám: The Astronomer-Poet of Persia, page 2:

     Now the New Year reviving old Desires,
     The thoughtful Soul to Solitude retires,
     Where the White Hand of Moses on the Bough
     Puts out, and Jesus from the Ground suspires.

   • 1959, Georgette Heyer, chapter 1, in The Unknown Ajax:

     But Richmond, his grandfather's darling, after one thoughtful glance cast under his lashes at that uncompromising countenance appeared to lose himself in his own reflections.

2. Demonstrating kindness or consideration for others.

   Synonyms: thoughty, considerate, attentive, caring

   Preparing dinner is a thoughtful gesture for a new mother.

• thoughtless