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

I don’t remember the impact of their split, but later, my mother told me my first-grade teacher said I had started daydreaming after being very attentive.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

For attentive investors, the situation may be puzzling.

From MarketWatch

Yes, he’s a bit more attentive than his predecessor when it comes to the gold being traded in his kingdom.

From Literature

Regulators had given Tesla 90 days from December to adjust its advertising and stop leading consumers to believe that Autopilot and Full Self-Driving could be used safely without an attentive human.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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