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

But the attentive viewer will see Lestat will pierce his ears daily, in different places, playing around with his rocker lifestyle differently each day. —Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026

The service The service is formal, but friendly and attentive, and the concierge showed an enthusiastic passion for the city that created moments for interest and exploration beyond the Guggenheim. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026

Its restaurant, run by Chef Dieter Koschina, is a destination in its own right, having earned two Michelin stars for its fantastic European cuisine and attentive service. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026

The recurring event, part of the OC Animal Allies’ Helping Kids Canine Literacy Program, aims to provide children with a safe space to practice reading while interacting with the calm and attentive pups. —Jeff Antenore, Oc Register, 9 June 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