Thoughtful
/ˈθɔːtfəl/
adjectiveB1
Definition
Thoughtful describes a person or action that shows kindness and care for others. It also means someone who thinks carefully before acting or speaking. Being thoughtful means paying attention to details and feelings.
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See It in Action
Showing kindness and care for others’ feelings or needs
- •She gave me a thoughtful gift for my birthday.
- •It was thoughtful of him to check if I needed help.
- •A thoughtful friend listens when you have a problem.
Thinking carefully before acting or speaking
- •He gave a thoughtful answer to the difficult question.
- •She made a thoughtful decision after considering all options.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "thoughtful" like "nice," but with more care and thinking behind it—it’s not just being kind, but also paying attention to others’ needs.
- ✓Picture someone holding the door open for others or remembering a friend’s birthday—that is thoughtful behavior.
- ✓It’s the warm feeling you get when someone listens to you carefully or helps you without being asked.
- ✓Sounds like "THAWT-full" → imagine a heart full of warm thoughts melting like ice.
- ✓Think of a character like Mr. Rogers, who always thinks about how others feel and acts kindly.
- ✓NOT like "thoughtless" (without care or attention), "thoughtful" means full of care and attention.
- ✓NOT just "polite" (simple manners), but "thoughtful" shows deeper care and understanding.
- ✓NOT like "careless" (not careful), "thoughtful" means careful and mindful about what you do.
Try Other Words
- •Considerate: showing care for others’ feelings (Use when focusing on being careful not to hurt or upset others)
- •Caring: showing kindness and concern (Use when emphasizing emotional warmth and support)
- •Attentive: paying close attention (Use when focusing on careful watching or listening)
- •Mindful: aware and thinking about something carefully (Use when emphasizing awareness and careful thought)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "thought" (idea in the mind) + suffix "-ful" (full of)
- •Etymology: From Old English "þoht" meaning "thought" + "-ful" meaning "full of"
- •Historical development: Originally meant full of thought or careful thinking; over time, it gained the meaning of being kind and caring
- •Modern usage: Used to describe people who show care and careful thinking in their actions or words; common in everyday conversation
Reflect & Connect
•How can being thoughtful change the way people feel around you?
•When is it important to be thoughtful about your own decisions, not just about others?
Fill in the blanks
1.She gave a thoughtful ___ that showed she cared about my feelings.
2.Being thoughtful often means you ___ before you speak or act.
3.A thoughtful person usually remembers important dates and ___ small details.
4.Unlike being careless, being thoughtful means paying ___ to others’ needs.
5.He acted thoughtfully by ___ if anyone needed help during the event.
6.When someone is thoughtful, they often show ___ kindness without being asked.
7.If you want to be more thoughtful, try to ___ what others might feel in different situations.