attentive

1 of 2

adjective

at·​ten·​tive ə-ˈten-tiv 

1

: mindful, observant

attentive to what he is doing

2

: heedful of the comfort of others : solicitous

an attentive waitress

3

: offering attentions in or as if in the role of a suitor

an attentive boyfriend

attentively adverb

attentiveness noun

attentiveness

2 of 2

noun

at·​ten·​tive·​ness

ə-ˈten-tiv-nəs also a-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being attentive

Synonyms of attentive

Adjective

• focused
• immersed
• absorbed
• interested

Examples of attentive in a Sentence

Adjective

The hospital is proud of its attentive staff.

Our waiter was very attentive.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Staff are attentive and helpful without being overly formal, delivering the high standards of a larger hotel with the personal touch of a boutique property. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

On the second, more attentive read, my toes and fingers started to clench. — Andrew Lipstein, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026

But an estimate of potential risk that’s hidden to all but the most attentive investors and economists has been building up in the bond market for months. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026

The staff are attentive and put in a lot of effort, ready to share tips and favourite restaurants, and really go the extra mile to make your stay pleasant and memorable. — Julia Wytrazek, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see attend

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for attentive

• agentive
• incentive
• inventive
• preventive
• retentive
• disincentive
• inattentive

Kids Definition

attentive

adjective

at·​ten·​tive ə-ˈtent-iv 

1

: paying attention

2

: thoughtful for the welfare or comfort of others : courteous

attentively adverb

attentiveness noun