- the characteristic or habit of anticipating and being attentive to the needs and interests of others: I was touched by the thoughtfulness of the busy waitress, who rushed to open the heavy door for me when I left.
- the quality of showing careful, thorough reflection: The thoughtfulness of your interview questions really helped all the participants get to know the candidate.
- a contemplative or meditative state or quality; pensiveness: He stood looking down at them in gloomy thoughtfulness.
- the quality of being careful, heedful, or mindful (usually followed by of): Solving problems requires not just knowledge of advanced technology, but thoughtfulness of context and application.
