attentive

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

Synonyms of attentive

• focused
• immersed
• absorbed
• interested

Examples of attentive in a Sentence

The hospital is proud of its attentive staff.

Our waiter was very attentive.

Recent Examples on the Web

Inside is super-clean and nice, and the servers were very kind and attentive. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026

The ones who get it, get it, and will be incomparably thoughtful and attentive. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026

Rethinking your travel dates rewards you with more space, upgrades and attentive service. — Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 26 June 2026

And for herself, leaving home to give birth abroad was about finding more attentive doctors and better medical standards. — Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor, 25 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

see attend

First Known Use

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