attentive

American  

[uh-ten-tiv] / əˈtɛn tɪv /

adjective

1. characterized by or giving attention; observant.

   an attentive audience.

   Synonyms:

   watchful, awake, alert, aware, mindful, heedful

   Antonyms:

   unconcerned, apathetic, indifferent

2. thoughtful of others; considerate; polite; courteous.

   an attentive host.

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attentive British  

/ əˈtɛntɪv /

adjective

1. paying attention; listening carefully; observant

2. careful to fulfil the needs or wants (of); considerate (about)

   she was always attentive to his needs

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Other Word Forms

• attentively adverb
• attentiveness noun
• overattentive adjective
• overattentively adverb
• unattentive adjective
• unattentively adverb

Etymology

Origin of attentive

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Middle French; attent ( def. ), -ive ( def. )

Example Sentences

In private, foreign officials said, Rodríguez was urbane and attentive, observing the usual diplomatic niceties.

From The Wall Street Journal

Once seated, the hospitality sets the tone immediately, attentive and warm without ever feeling performative.

From Salon

A robot that seems “as intelligent, as attentive, and as faithful, as a dog” — no earlier than 2048, he conjectured in 2018.

From Los Angeles Times

Otherwise, an 18-20% tip is still considered standard for gracious and attentive service.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We were sure that the more attentive mice would have more activity in the prefrontal cortex, not less," Rajasethupathy says.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• accommodating
• courteous
• devoted
• gracious
• polite
• respectful
• solicitous
• thoughtful