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

Meals are served oceanside in elegant, open-air restaurants, where the service is attentive but never intrusive. —Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024

My wife reaches out to them and often sends little attentive trinkets. —R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2024

Cecelia is fully realized, confident in her femininity and brazenly independent, while attentive to her deepest desires. —Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2024

Ina, a half-Polynesian sculptor and an attentive mom, and her husband, Rafi, a literary-minded Black educator, both live on Makatea. —Randy Boyagoda, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 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