attentive

[uh-ten-tiv]

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.

attentive

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of attentive¹

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

Example Sentences

At home, her loving but detached father became more attentive to her.

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Law schools seem to avoid some of the problems Mr. Riley identifies, perhaps because they’re attentive to the high standards of the profession their graduates will enter.

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It was believed that women would be more attentive to the fine details; men wouldn’t have the patience to do that.

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He urged believers to "be attentive to others... reaching out to the marginalised and becoming witnesses of God's tenderness."

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But he doesn’t seem all that attentive, & I think he is a drinker.

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Related Words

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