Definition of thoughtfully

The word "thoughtfully" has its roots in Old English. The prefix "tho" comes from the Old English word "þō", meaning "so" or "thus", and "hought" comes from the Old English word "hōgþ", meaning "thought" or "mind". In Middle English (circa 1100-1500), the word "thoughtfully" emerged as a compound adjective, "thoughtfully", meaning "in a thoughtful manner" or "with thought". This sense of careful consideration or attention to one's thoughts develops in the 16th century, likely due to the increasing importance of mental processes in English literature and culture. Today, "thoughtfully" is still used to describe actions, decisions, or expressions that demonstrate careful consideration, kindness, or compassion, often with a sense of depth and mindfulness.