THOUGHTFULLY

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does thoughtfully mean? 

• THOUGHTFULLY (adverb)
  The adverb THOUGHTFULLY has 2 senses:

1. in a thoughtful manner

2. showing consideration and thoughtfulness

  Familiarity information: THOUGHTFULLY used as an adverb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• THOUGHTFULLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a thoughtful manner

Context example:

he stared thoughtfully out the window

Antonym:

thoughtlessly (in a thoughtless manner)

Pertainym:

thoughtful (exhibiting or characterized by careful thought)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Showing consideration and thoughtfulness

Context example:

he had thoughtfully brought with him some food to share

Antonym:

thoughtlessly (showing thoughtlessness)

Pertainym:

thoughtful (considerate of the feelings or well-being of others)

 Context examples 

He received the word as if it had a familiar ring, though he pondered it thoughtfully.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

“Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing,” answered Holmes thoughtfully.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“Our young friend seems to be getting into deep waters,” said Holmes, thoughtfully, as he finished the letter.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Then he very thoughtfully took a chair, with his back to me, so that I might be as free as possible, and began to read.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

I wonder, he said thoughtfully, if you could see my Em'ly now, Mas'r Davy, whether you'd know her!

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

The subject was continued no farther; and Marianne remained thoughtfully silent, till a new object suddenly engaged her attention.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

“That must have saved them trouble,” said Holmes, thoughtfully.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

We all fell silent, and my uncle leaned his chin upon his hand, looking thoughtfully into the fire.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“There were seven reasons,” said John thoughtfully.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“I don’t know about that,” said the other thoughtfully.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)