thoughtfulness
[θˈɔtfəlnɪs] /ˈthȯt-fəl How to pronounce thoughtful (audio)/ (ame, mw) · /ˈθɔːtflnəs/ (bre, ipa) · [θˈɔtfəlnɪs] /ˈθɔːtflnəs/ (ame, ipa)
thoughtfulness — adjective
- thoughtfulnesspositive
- more thoughtfulnesscomparative
- most thoughtfulnesssuperlative
1. showing that you care about other people's feelings, needs, or comfort by doing
showing that you care about other people's feelings, needs, or comfort by doing something kind or anticipating what they would like.
It was thoughtful of Darius to bring hot soup when he heard Ayana was sick in bed.
pattern: It was thoughtful of [person] to [verb]
Constanza sent a thoughtful thank-you note after the job interview, which impressed the manager.
thoughtful + note / gift / gesture
Leaving a towel and a snack in the guest room was a thoughtful gesture that made Hari feel welcome.
The thoughtful gift of a cookbook showed that Sven had remembered her love of Japanese cuisine.
Mira's thoughtful words on the phone helped Caleb feel less nervous about the surgery.
- considerate
very close in meaning; 'considerate' slightly stronger on avoiding causing trouble
- caring
broader; describes a general personality trait rather than a specific action
- attentive
focuses on noticing what others need, sometimes in a service context
- inconsiderate
direct opposite; failing to think of others' feelings
- thoughtless
acting without considering others
文法句型
it + be + thoughtful + of + person + to-infinitive
thoughtful + noun (gesture, gift, word)
用法筆記
By far the most frequent sense of 'thoughtful' in everyday conversation. The 'it is thoughtful of you to…' pattern is a standard polite compliment. Distinguished from sense 2 by the focus on kindness rather than intellectual quality.
常見錯誤
2. showing that a lot of careful and logical thinking has gone into something, such
showing that a lot of careful and logical thinking has gone into something, such as a decision, piece of writing, or plan.
The committee arrived at a thoughtful decision after weeks of research and debate.
thoughtful + decision
Amelia's thoughtful analysis of the budget helped the team find areas where they could save money.
Mathieu published a thoughtful essay on how cities can prepare for rising sea levels.
The judge praised the lawyer for her thoughtful argument, which addressed every point of the case.
- reasoned
emphasises logic over thoroughness
- considered
suggests something was weighed before reaching a conclusion
- deliberate
highlights slowness and intentionality
文法句型
thoughtful + noun (analysis, decision, essay, response)
用法筆記
Applied to the result of thinking (an essay, a plan, a judgment), not to the person while thinking. Compare with sense 3, which describes the thinker's visible state.
3. quiet because you are thinking deeply about something, often appearing distant o
quiet because you are thinking deeply about something, often appearing distant or unaware of your surroundings.
Esme wore a thoughtful expression as she stared out the train window at the fields.
thoughtful + expression / look
Kenji grew quiet and thoughtful during the long drive home, barely responding to questions.
The old photograph showed a thoughtful young man sitting alone on a park bench in fall.
A thoughtful silence fell over the room after the professor asked her difficult question.
- pensive
more literary, emphasises melancholy or dreamy reflection
- meditative
suggests intentional, calm mental focus, often spiritual
- distracted
not paying attention rather than being absorbed in thought
文法句型
thoughtful + noun (expression, look, silence)
用法筆記
Commonly describes facial expressions, poses, or silences that reveal inner concentration. Not typically used for active problem-solving — that sense belongs to sense 2.
4. aware of or concerned about a particular fact, risk, or need — most often used i
aware of or concerned about a particular fact, risk, or need — most often used in the negative to mean 'not paying proper attention to'.
Karim was not thoughtful of the risks when he put all his savings in a single company.
negative: not thoughtful of [risk/danger]
Chidi was not thoughtful of his roommate's need for sleep when he practiced the trumpet every night.
negative: not thoughtful of + [someone's need]
Tanvi wished her flatmate were more thoughtful of other people's schedules before playing loud music.
Sahil was not thoughtful of the hidden costs when he signed the rental agreement for the flat.
- unmindful
formal; opposite of 'mindful'
文法句型
be + not + thoughtful + of + noun
用法筆記
This sense is much less common than sense 1 and sounds somewhat formal. In everyday English, 'mindful of' or 'aware of' is more natural for positive statements; 'not thoughtful of' is the main survival pattern.
thoughtfulness — noun
1. a tendency to think about other people's feelings and comfort, shown by doing th
a tendency to think about other people's feelings and comfort, shown by doing things that help them or make them happy.
Eli showed great thoughtfulness by remembering everyone's birthday with a small card or gift.
show + thoughtfulness
Tendai thanked his neighbours for their thoughtfulness during his recovery after the accident.
someone's + thoughtfulness
Putri appreciated the thoughtfulness of her coworkers, who had prepared meals for her family.
The nurse's gentle thoughtfulness made the children feel safe during their stay in the hospital.
- consideration
slightly more formal; 'show consideration for others'
- kindness
broader; not limited to anticipating needs
- caring
emphasises emotional warmth rather than practical actions
- thoughtlessness
acting without regard for others' feelings
- inconsideration
failure to think of others' convenience
文法句型
thoughtfulness + towards + noun
show/appreciate/demonstrate + thoughtfulness
用法筆記
By far the most frequent sense of 'thoughtfulness' in everyday English. Often appears in contexts of gratitude and appreciation — 'thank you for your thoughtfulness' is a common formula.
2. the state or activity of thinking carefully and seriously about something, often
the state or activity of thinking carefully and seriously about something, often for a long period of time.
The philosopher's quiet thoughtfulness impressed everyone at the conference.
Quan stared at the map in deep thoughtfulness, tracing possible routes with his finger.
collocation: deep thoughtfulness / in thoughtfulness
Minho's thoughtfulness during the meeting meant he asked several important questions that others had missed.
With visible thoughtfulness, the old woman examined each photograph before placing it in the album.
- contemplation
more formal; suggests patient, sustained reflection
- rumination
implies repeated or prolonged thinking, often about a single topic
文法句型
with + thoughtfulness
in thoughtfulness
用法筆記
Unlike 'deep thought', which can be purely internal, 'thoughtfulness' in this sense often implies a visible, reflective quality that others can observe. Can describe both a temporary state and a habitual tendency.
3. the quality of planning or doing something in a thorough, careful way so that it
the quality of planning or doing something in a thorough, careful way so that it works well and nothing important is forgotten.
The success of the festival was mainly due to Esteban's thoughtfulness in planning every detail.
thoughtfulness in + [gerund]
Daichi's thoughtfulness in designing the experiment meant the team avoided months of extra work.
The report showed a level of thoughtfulness that the manager had not expected from a new hire.
Each dish was prepared with great thoughtfulness, balancing flavours and textures with care.
- thoroughness
emphasises completeness more than smart design
- care
broader; can refer to caution rather than intelligent planning
- attentiveness
focuses on noticing small but important details
- carelessness
failing to give enough attention to details
- sloppiness
doing things in a hurried, incomplete way
文法句型
with + thoughtfulness
thoughtfulness + in + noun/gerund
用法筆記
This sense overlaps with 'care' and 'thoroughness' but adds the idea of intelligent design — the thoughtfulness produces an outcome that is not just complete but well-conceived. Common in professional and creative contexts.