thoughtful
Mindful of others
Thoughtful describes someone who considers others' feelings and needs: It was thoughtful of you to call.
The word also means showing careful consideration or reflection: a thoughtful essay, a thoughtful pause before answering.
A thoughtful expression suggests someone lost in thought.
The two senses—considerate toward others and engaged in thinking—often overlap.
Inclined toward deep reflection
- contemplativeInclined to deep thought
- pensiveQuietly, sadly thoughtful
- introspectiveExamining one's own mind
- ponderingThinking deeply about something
brooding · musing · absorbed · deliberative · analytical · speculative · philosophical · ruminating
Feeling what others feel
- compassionateShowing concern for sufferers
- caringShowing kind concern
- courteousShowing respectful consideration
- tactfulSocially sensitive and careful
understanding · sympathetic · benevolent · gracious · polite · gentle · altruistic · generous
Consciously attentive
- observantNoticing things readily
- heedfulPaying close attention
- awareHaving knowledge of
- conscientiousScrupulously careful and thorough
meticulous · vigilant · alert · watchful · focused · perceptive · scrupulous · diligent
Having penetrating discernment
- discerningHaving keen judgment
- reasonedDerived through careful thought
- consideredThought about carefully
- measuredCarefully considered, unhurried
nuanced · articulate · perceptive · astute · judicious · sagacious · penetrating · incisive
meditative
Inclined toward deep reflection
- contemplativeInclined to deep thought
- pensiveQuietly, sadly thoughtful
- introspectiveExamining one's own mind
pondering · brooding · musing · absorbed · deliberative · analytical · speculative · philosophical · ruminating · studious
empathetic
Feeling what others feel
- compassionateShowing concern for sufferers
- caringShowing kind concern
- courteousShowing respectful consideration
tactful · understanding · sympathetic · benevolent · gracious · polite · gentle · altruistic · generous · solicitous
mindful
Consciously attentive
conscientious · meticulous · vigilant · alert · watchful · focused · perceptive · scrupulous · diligent · careful
insightful
Having penetrating discernment
- discerningHaving keen judgment
- reasonedDerived through careful thought
- consideredThought about carefully
measured · nuanced · articulate · perceptive · astute · judicious · sagacious · penetrating · incisive · profound
gaze
Fixed, intent look
pause · silence · frown · sigh · nod · smile · demeanor · countenance · manner · composure
gift
Item given freely
surprise · remembrance · token · keepsake · memento · favor · kindness · treat · sentiment · appreciation
- helpfulkind, useful, friendly, supportive, generous
- complimentssmart, talented, beautiful, funny, awesome
- positive traitskindness, honesty, patience, generosity, compassion
- speaking stylesarticulate, blunt, candid, conversational, casual
- traitshonesty, ambitious, brave, calm, kindness
- contemplativecontemplative, introspective, reflective, pensive, meditative
thoughtfulinconsiderate
Lacking regard for others
thoughtless · selfish · uncaring · unkind · heedless
thoughtfulshallow
Without much depth
superficial · unreflective · unthinking · mindless · vacuous