heedful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heedful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is attentive or mindful of something, often in the context of being careful or considerate. Example: "She was heedful of the needs of her colleagues, always making sure to listen and offer support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

A stronger China is becoming less heedful of Deng's strategy of caution.

The Economist

Once these heedful communities are downwind of a flock of rotting seagulls they might equitably enjoy the self-righteousness of disdaining nuclear power.SEAN ABBOTTPragueSIR In your article on Bill Bradley's health-care proposals ("Bradley's NHS", October 2nd), you attribute the riddle, "What goes on four legs at dawn, two legs at noon, and three legs at sunset?" to the "ancient oracles".

The Economist

As observers raised their heads, they discovered with amazement that a recent reconstruction of the Bolshoi was heedful of children's innocence: the Greek god now has his private parts covered by a fig leaf.

The New Yorker

Courteous, heedful, absurd Father Paul.

The New Yorker

No coalition of leaders has successfully confronted the voters, and made them heedful of the ruin they are bringing upon the nation.

The New York Times

But heedful of a growing malaise among Italian voters, the party leader, Luigi Bersani, said Tuesday that the government had to push for a more social agenda.

The New York Times

And this was a major part of the appeal back in the 1870s and 1880s, as demonstrated by a poem by an English clergyman, Henry Charles Beeching: With lifted feet, hands still, I am poised, and down the hill Dart, with heedful mind The air goes by in a wind.

The Guardian

Her 16th birthday is the occasion for an Edwardian tennis match – lots of chaps swanning about in white flannels and boaters – through which she skitters barefoot, heedful only of her secret romance.

The Guardian

Heedful not to freak out their charges, Atlantic didn't even inform the band of their platinum status.

The Guardian - Music

But circumspection is a relative quality and even the most cautious of Mexican fighters tend to be as heedful of physical consequences as a suicidal lemming on a trip to the Cliffs of Moher.

The Guardian - Sport

If, as is implied, he speaks for him, then one can only feel something akin to heedful pity".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heedful" when you want to emphasize careful attention and consideration, particularly in situations where potential consequences are significant.

Common error

Avoid using "heedful" interchangeably with "careless". "Heedful" implies active awareness and attentiveness, whereas "careless" suggests a lack of attention or concern.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "heedful" primarily functions to describe someone or something that is attentive, careful, and mindful. Ludwig examples show it modifying nouns to indicate a state of awareness and consideration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heedful" is an adjective used to describe someone who is attentive, careful, and mindful. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media contexts. While alternatives like "attentive" and "mindful" exist, "heedful" carries a specific nuance of careful consideration and awareness. As such, it's a valuable word to use when conveying responsibility and caution in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attentive

Emphasizes active listening and observation.

mindful

Highlights awareness and consideration of potential consequences.

careful

Focuses on avoiding mistakes or harm.

thoughtful

Suggests consideration of others' feelings or needs.

observant

Implies being quick to notice and understand things.

vigilant

Highlights watchfulness and alertness to potential danger.

prudent

Emphasizes wisdom and caution in practical affairs.

circumspect

Suggests careful consideration of all circumstances before acting.

cautious

Implies reluctance to take risks.

regardful

Focuses on showing respect or consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "heedful" in a sentence?

You can use "heedful" to describe someone who is paying close attention or being mindful of something. For instance, "She was "heedful" of the needs of her colleagues."

What's a good alternative to "heedful"?

Alternatives to "heedful" include "attentive", "mindful", and "careful". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "heedful" the same as "careful"?

While both words relate to attentiveness, "heedful" emphasizes active awareness and consideration, whereas "careful" often focuses on avoiding mistakes or harm. They are similar but not perfectly interchangeable.

What is the difference between "heedful" and "thoughtful"?

"Heedful" stresses attentiveness and awareness, while "thoughtful" emphasizes consideration for the feelings or needs of others. For example, you can be "heedful" of safety regulations and "thoughtful" of someone's feelings.