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adj. 1. a. Given to careful thought; reflective: Every thoughtful person should read the article. b. Engrossed in thought: She was thoughtful the whole way home on the bus. 2. Exhibiting or characterized by careful thought: a thoughtful essay. 3. Having or showing heed for the well-being or happiness of others and a propensity for anticipating their needs or wishes. thoughtful·ly adv. thoughtful·ness n. Synonyms: thoughtful, considerate, attentive, solicitous These adjectives mean having or showing concern for the well-being of others. Although thoughtful and considerate are often used interchangeably, thoughtful implies a tendency to anticipate needs or wishes, whereas considerate stresses sensitivity to another's feelings: a thoughtful friend who brought me soup when I was sick; considerate, quiet neighbors. Attentive suggests devoted, assiduous attention: an excellent host who was attentive to the needs of his guests. Solicitous implies deep concern, sometimes accompanied by worry: a mother who is very solicitous of her asthmatic child. See Also Synonyms at pensive. |
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