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. postpositiveoften foll byto careful to fulfil the needs or wants (of); considerate (about)

   she was always attentive to his needs

Derived Forms

• atˈtentively, adverb
• atˈtentiveness, noun

Other Words From

• at·ten·tive·ly adverb
• at·ten·tive·ness noun
• o·ver·at·ten·tive adjective
• o·ver·at·ten·tive·ly adverb
• un·at·ten·tive adjective
• un·at·ten·tive·ly 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

There were perhaps 80 people there, all attentive area property owners and a clutch of firefighters and managers from the Forest Service, Park Service, and Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

From Outside Online

Marris guides readers through a series of case studies, from Indigenous hunting practices to municipal zoos, all brought to life through attentive on-the-ground reporting.

From Science News

Because of the isolation and the direct access people had to celebrities via social media as well as via streaming platforms, many people became much more attentive to their favored celebrities.

From Time

A cleaner hotel doesn’t necessarily protect you from the coronavirus, but it is a sign that the property is attentive to customer service.

From Washington Post

Now comes creating that culture of inclusion within the county and making sure staff is being attentive to things like language access and cultural competency when engaging with and providing services to immigrant and refugee communities.

From Voice of San Diego

She gave jewelry away, gifts, and was one of the most attentive, caring friends.

From The Daily Beast

Yet in practice, those most attentive to LGBT concerns may be the least eager to pick this fight.

From The Daily Beast

Indeed, the crowd at my reading was attentive, inquisitive—and willing to spend money on printed books.

From The Daily Beast

The former is an exquisitely calibrated product of American liberalism, ever attentive to such notions as “inclusiveness.”

From The Daily Beast

The bartenders can be hit or miss, but for the most part they are all friendly, fast, attentive, and knowledgeable.

From The Daily Beast

Her sister-in-law pointed out to her that old Mr. Warrender had been very attentive lately.

From Project Gutenberg

She slept lightly at first, half awake and drowsily attentive to the things about her.

From Project Gutenberg

She went down and led them out of the sun, scolding the quadroon for not being more attentive.

From Project Gutenberg

He seemed profoundly attentive, did not attempt any conversation, and kept his eyes on the ground.

From Project Gutenberg

Such a long journey, and Mr. Ralph will be so attentive, and shell be so proud to be with such a handsome fellow!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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