Entry Word: attentive

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 having the mind fixed on something <Susan became particularly attentive when the sportscaster turned to field hockey, her favorite sport>

Synonyms absorbed, engrossed, enthralled, focused (also focussed), immersed, intent, observant, rapt

Related Words interested, intrigued, involved; hypnotized, mesmerized; alert, alive, conscious, open-eyed, watchful, wide-awake

Near Antonyms daydreaming, dreamy, faraway, foggy, hazy, oblivious, preoccupied, remote; apathetic, disinterested, uninterested

Antonyms absent, absentminded, abstracted, distracted, inattentive, unabsorbed, unfocused (also unfocussed), unobservant

2 given to or made with heedful anticipation of the needs and happiness of others <an attentive neighbor who helps out whenever and wherever she spots a need> — see thoughtful 1
3 paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity <if only for your own safety, you need to stay attentive when you are hunting> — see alert 1