attentive

adjective

at·​ten·​tive ə-ˈten-tiv 

1

: mindful, observant

attentive to what he is doing

2

: heedful of the comfort of others : solicitous

an attentive waitress

3

: offering attentions in or as if in the role of a suitor

an attentive boyfriend

attentively adverb

attentiveness noun

Synonyms

• absorbed
• deep
• engrossed
• enthralled
• focused
• focussed
• immersed
• intent
• observant
• rapt

Examples of attentive in a Sentence

The hospital is proud of its attentive staff.

Our waiter was very attentive.

Recent Examples on the Web

His reliance on Caroline, a scrupulously attentive if at times officious nurse with two young children of her own, is part of the story. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2024

She is animated, funny, and an attentive conversationalist. —Vrinda Jagota, SPIN, 17 June 2024

Fatherhood pushed Gardner to break away from the stoicism and aggression encouraged during his military career and learn how to be deeply attentive to others and try to understand their weakness and fears. —Elissa Strauss, CNN, 14 June 2024

Thanks to the attentive work of costume designers, every rom-com lover can instantly recall the moment Julia Roberts stepped out in that red gown in Pretty Woman (1990) or when Kate Hudson slipped into that yellow silk dress in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003). —James Mercadante, EW.com, 14 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

see attend

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

attentive

adjective

at·​ten·​tive ə-ˈtent-iv 

1

: paying attention

2

: thoughtful for the welfare or comfort of others : courteous

attentively adverb

attentiveness noun