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

One person advised the OP to try to strike a balance between being attentive to and present with her friend while also taking some time to be alone. —Erin Clack, People.com, 11 May 2025

What endures, however, is the permanence of luxurious décor and tableware, attentive service and high-quality materials and ingredients. —Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025

Specifically, Leo cited one of Francis’ key priorities of making the Catholic Church more attentive to lay people and inclusive, a process known as synodality. —Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025

The video features footage of the five adorable kittens and their attentive mother, named Toady. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

see attend

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for attentive

• agentive
• incentive
• inventive
• preventive
• retentive
• disincentive
• inattentive

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