attentive
[uh-ten-tiv]
- characterized by or giving attention; observant: an attentive audience.
- thoughtful of others; considerate; polite; courteous: an attentive host.
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Origin of attentive
Synonyms
See more synonyms for attentive on Thesaurus.com1. heedful, mindful, aware, alert, awake, watchful.
Antonyms
1. indifferent, apathetic, unconcerned.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for attentive
Contemporary Examples
She gave jewelry away, gifts, and was one of the most attentive, caring friends.
Yet in practice, those most attentive to LGBT concerns may be the least eager to pick this fight.
Indeed, the crowd at my reading was attentive, inquisitive—and willing to spend money on printed books.
The former is an exquisitely calibrated product of American liberalism, ever attentive to such notions as “inclusiveness.”
The bartenders can be hit or miss, but for the most part they are all friendly, fast, attentive, and knowledgeable.
Historical Examples
The latter was cruelly polite and attentive in his demeanour.
She, on her part, fell at once attentive, grave and responsive.
The Black BagLouis Joseph Vance
She paused a little under his attentive look, and then said, 'I hope there is no harm in it.
Little DorritCharles Dickens
He handed her one of the printed bills, which she read with a steady and attentive face.
Little DorritCharles Dickens
My desire to learn made me attentive, prompt, and respectful.
attentive
- paying attention; listening carefully; observant
- (postpositive often foll by to) careful to fulfil the needs or wants (of); considerate (about)she was always attentive to his needs
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for attentive
adj.
late 14c. (implied in attentively), from Old French attentif, from Vulgar Latin *attenditus, from Latin attentus "heedful, observant" (see attend). Sense of "actively ministering to the needs and wants" (of another person) is from early 16c. Related: Attentively.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper