characterized by or manifesting careful thought: a thoughtful essay.
3.
occupied with or given to thought; contemplative; meditative; reflective: in a thoughtful mood.
4.
careful, heedful, or mindful: to be thoughtful of one's safety.
Origin: 1150–1200;Middle English; see thought1, -ful
Related forms
thought·ful·ly, adverb
thought·ful·ness, noun
o·ver·thought·ful, adjective
o·ver·thought·ful·ly, adverb
o·ver·thought·ful·ness, noun
un·thought·ful, adjective
un·thought·ful·ly, adverb
un·thought·ful·ness, noun
Synonyms 1. attentive, solicitous. Thoughtful, considerate mean taking thought for the comfort and the good of others. Thoughtful implies providing little attentions, offering services, or in some way looking out for the comfort or welfare of others: It was thoughtful of you to send the flowers.Considerate implies sparing others annoyance or discomfort, and being careful not to hurt their feelings: not considerate of his family.
c.1200, "contemplative," from thought + -ful. Also in M.E., "prudent; moody, anxious." Meaning "showing consideration for others" is from 1851. (Cf. thoughtless.)