What is thoughtful? Pronunciation and usage in English

thoughtful means . Learn how to pronounce and use thoughtful through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of thoughtful

thoughtfuladjective

/ˈθɔːtf(ʊ)l/
Definition & pronunciation of thoughtful

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "thoughtful" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

  • thot - This is the most important part! It's pronounced like "thot" as in "hot" but with a "th" sound. Think of the "th" as in "thin."
  • ful - This is pronounced like “full.”

2. Putting it Together:

  • thot - (like “thot” – as in “hot”)
  • ful - (like "full")

So, it sounds like: thot-ful

3. Key Tips for the "th" sound:

  • Don't say "the": Avoid the common mistake of pronouncing it like "the-ful."
  • Quick “th”: The "th" sound is quick and subtle. It’s not a drawn-out "the."

4. Audio Resources (Highly Recommended):

  • Google Search: Just type "how to pronounce thoughtful" into Google and click the speaker icon.
  • Forvo: https://www.forvo.com/word/thoughtful/ – This site lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word in different accents.
  • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce thoughtful" on YouTube. You'll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

To summarize, it's thot - ful.

Would you like me to:

  • Say it aloud?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word?

Usage and examples with the word thoughtful in English

Let's break down how to use the word "thoughtful" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances.

1. As an Adjective (Describing a Person):

This is the most common use. "Thoughtful" describes someone who is considerate, kind, and shows care and empathy for others.

  • Example 1: "She's a very thoughtful friend; she always remembers my birthday and sends me supportive messages." (Here, it describes her character.)
  • Example 2: "He was a thoughtful listener, really taking in what I was saying." (Describes his behavior during a conversation.)
  • Example 3: "It's admirable to be a thoughtful person who considers the feelings of everyone around them." (A general description of a good trait.)

2. As an Adjective (Describing an Action or Idea):

"Thoughtful" can also describe something that demonstrates careful consideration or originality.

  • Example 1: "The architect’s design was thoughtful and incorporated sustainable materials." (Describes the design's careful planning.)
  • Example 2: "It was a thoughtful gesture to bring flowers to someone who was grieving." (Describes the gesture itself as considerate.)
  • Example 3: "The author wrote a thoughtful essay exploring the complexities of the issue." (Describes the essay's depth and consideration.)
  • Example 4: “Let’s have a thoughtful discussion about the future of the company.” (Describes the type of discussion—one that considers all aspects carefully).

3. As an Adverb (Less Common):

You can sometimes use “thoughtfully” to describe how someone does something, meaning in a considered or careful way.

  • Example: "She spoke thoughtfully, pausing to choose her words carefully." (Describes how she spoke.)

Synonyms for "Thoughtful":

Here are some words that can be used instead of "thoughtful," depending on the context:

  • Considerate: Similar to thoughtful, emphasizes kindness and awareness of others' needs.
  • Kind: A general term for being good and caring.
  • Empathetic: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
  • Sensitive: Aware of and responsive to the needs and feelings of others.
  • Reflective: Engaged in deep thinking about something.
  • Deliberate: Careful and measured in planning or doing something.

Tips for Using "Thoughtful":

  • Show, Don't Tell: Instead of just saying someone is “thoughtful,” show it through their actions and words. (“She brought me soup when I was sick,” is more effective than “She’s a thoughtful person.”)
  • Context is Key: Consider the specific situation to choose the best synonym or phrasing.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "thoughtful" in? (e.g., a writing assignment, a conversation, a personal description?)
  • What specific context are you thinking about? (e.g., describing a person, an action, an idea?)

Synonyms for the word thoughtful

Practice with vocabulary thoughtful

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Presenting a detailed agenda beforehand was a ____________ step that facilitated a productive discussion among the board members.
  2. The CEO offered a ____________ analysis of the market trends, considering both short-term challenges and long-term opportunities for growth.
  3. Despite the urgent deadline, the team ensured all documentation was ____________ and complete before submission to the regulatory body.
  4. The new policy received a lot of ____________ feedback, prompting further review and amendments to improve its implementation.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. When my colleague offered to help with the complex data analysis, it was an incredibly ____________ gesture during a stressful period. a) efficient b) thoughtful c) beneficial d) considerate

  2. The committee praised her ____________ proposal, noting its comprehensive research and innovative solutions. a) insightful b) hasty c) thoughtful d) superficial

  3. Sending a handwritten thank-you note after the interview was a particularly ____________ act that left a lasting positive impression. a) standard b) courteous c) compulsory d) thoughtful

  4. The lead engineer is known for his ____________ approach to problem-solving, always considering all variables before making a final decision. a) impulsive b) methodical c) intuitive d) erratic

  5. Her ____________ attention to detail ensured that no errors were present in the final audit report, which was crucial for regulatory compliance. a) careless b) meticulous c) arbitrary d) negligent

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It was very kind of you to remember my birthday and send a personalized card. Rewrite using "thoughtful":

  2. After spending a long time contemplating the various options, the team finally arrived at a well-reasoned conclusion. Rewrite using "thoughtful" or a related word form:

  3. She always ensures that her responses are polite and considerate of other people's feelings. Rewrite without using "thoughtful" or its forms, using a suitable replacement word:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. thoughtful
  2. thoughtful
  3. thorough
  4. constructive

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) thoughtful, d) considerate
  2. a) insightful, c) thoughtful
  3. d) thoughtful
  4. b) methodical
  5. b) meticulous

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It was a very thoughtful gesture to remember my birthday and send a personalized card.
  2. After a period of thoughtful contemplation, the team finally arrived at a well-reasoned conclusion.
  3. She always ensures that her responses are tactful and respectful of other people's feelings.

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