attentive

adjective

at·​ten·​tive ə-ˈten-tiv How to pronounce attentive (audio)
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

Examples of attentive in a Sentence

The hospital is proud of its attentive staff. Our waiter was very attentive.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dog owners are often known to be extremely attentive to their pets, showering them with treats and affection and generally considering them one of the family. Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2025 Dyrholm’s typically fearless performance is attentive to the character’s particular physical restrictions, but with a raging inner clarity that often erupts as a result. Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 Mar. 2025 With a 1-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio, the ship delivers attentive, personalized service. Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 The latest immersive work from documentary master Claire Simon takes us into Makarenko, a public elementary school in the Parisian suburb Ivry-sur-Seine, over the course of a school year, staying attentive to the glorious unpredictability of human interaction and the revelations of learning. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for attentive

Word History

Etymology

see attend

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of attentive was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Attentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attentive. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

attentive

adjective
at·​ten·​tive ə-ˈtent-iv How to pronounce attentive (audio)
1
: paying attention
2
: thoughtful for the welfare or comfort of others : courteous
attentively adverb
attentiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on attentive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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