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

The four-time Pro Bowl player stood and was attentive but did not speak during the hearing, which lasted less than two minutes.

From Los Angeles Times

"We cannot afford to be equally attentive to every region and every problem in the world," the White House's National Security Strategy stated last November.

From BBC

Quantitatively, what she describes as these "everyday attentive acts" turned out to be much more powerful than grand romantic gestures.

From BBC

Investors in precious metals need to be relatively attentive, as commodities require more attention than what typical buy-and-hold stock and bond investors may be accustomed to.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Being attentive to where your artist is being exploited, or having their songs exploited, is going to make a difference in the kind of revenue that they generate,” Citrin Cooperman’s Hull said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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