attentive
Americanadjective
-
characterized by or giving attention; observant.
an attentive audience.
- Antonyms:
- unconcerned, apathetic, indifferent
-
thoughtful of others; considerate; polite; courteous.
an attentive host.
adjective
-
paying attention; listening carefully; observant
-
careful to fulfil the needs or wants (of); considerate (about)
she was always attentive to his needs
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; see attent ( def. ), -ive ( def. )
Explanation
Use the adjective attentive to describe someone who is alert and paying attention: “Attentive observers of the play used clues given in the first scenes of the play to guess the identity of the murderer.” You probably notice that the word attentive looks a lot like the noun attention. It’s easy to remember how to use attentive when you know that the words share related meanings. Use the adjective attentive to describe someone who is full of attention, watching and listening carefully, such as an attentive student who takes great notes and asks questions when something isn't clear.
Vocabulary lists containing attentive
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
So-called automated driver-assistance systems like Full Self-Driving require drivers to remain attentive to the road at all times and resume control of the vehicle if prompted.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026
Juliette's head teacher, Amelia McIlroy, said she was "a genuinely caring and attentive listener, a true friend who listened with warmth, respect and sincere interest to her peers and to our staff".
From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026
"As for us, his parents, we are waiting. Our contacts at the crisis centre are very attentive and inspire confidence. We are tired but optimistic," he added.
From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026
Shadow on the other hand is “very protective. He’s also very giving and generous. He doesn’t give up easily and he’s a very attentive father.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026
He was caring and devoted, attentive to detail, always a card on my birthday, always my favorite food and toys when I came for a visit.
From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
