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

Their attentive staff enhances the dining experience of sitting inside the fanciful Japanese interior or outside on the terrace lounge. —Eric Fuller, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024

Lipton Bot is unhurried and as soothing as chamomile, with a hint of basset hound around the eyebrows and an attentive tenderness that, impressively, never slips cheaply toward the sinister. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2024

Both require the continued supervision of an attentive driver who can override the software. —Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2024

Service is impeccable and attentive, and the staff clearly takes pride in their guests’ enjoyment. —Pat Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 20 Nov. 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