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; 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.

Example Sentences

Simi Valley police said that, whether operating bicycles, or electric bicycles or other motorized devices, riders need to “remain alert and attentive near roadways and railroad crossings.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

The idea that meaningful and attentive engagement could come from averting your gaze may seem counterintuitive, but it translates to other basic forms of human interaction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

It has not been a major issue, but when I consider the effects of inflation on our retirement savings, I have become more attentive to such matters.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 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

Her mother, she remembered, had always been attentive and had gently restrained her when she wriggled in the seat.

From "Gathering Blue" by Lois Lowry

Related Words

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