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

Otherwise, an 18-20% tip is still considered standard for gracious and attentive service.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We were sure that the more attentive mice would have more activity in the prefrontal cortex, not less," Rajasethupathy says.

From Science Daily

But the US does not currently have clear rules governing how much responsibility carmakers have to ensure that drivers remain attentive, leaving that question in contested legal territory.

From BBC

I have to remain attentive and am actively steering most of the time, with the lane-keeping assist operating as a backup.

From The Wall Street Journal

Claire’s friends are no less attentive than Eliot and are also sympathetic to his hurt and anger at being asked to move out of the house for her remaining days.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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