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

Some characteristics of helicopter parenting include being over attentive, micromanaging them, fighting all of their battles, and not giving them opportunities to fail and learn from those experiences. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 24 Jan. 2025

The mix of vulnerability and boldness came through in full force in this performance, which included some audible jitters but also expressive moments where Wang’s milky legato meshed with the attentive, even tender, playing of the lower brass. —Corinna Da Fonseca-Wollheim, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025

The key to success lies in personalizing these automations to ensure communication feels personal and attentive. —Nathan Miller, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

Gracey’s attentive care with Williams’s discography is especially striking. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 14 Jan. 2025

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