attentive

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adjective

Definition of ATTENTIVE

1

having the mind fixed on something <Susan became particularly attentive when the sportscaster turned to women's tennis, her favorite sport>

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

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

Phrases all ears

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

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

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>

Synonyms attentive, considerate, kind, solicitous

Related Words brotherly, good, good-hearted, helpful, hospitable, kindhearted, kindly, neighborly, nice; caring, compassionate, sympathetic, tender; chivalrous, courteous, courtly, gallant, gracious, polite; diplomatic, tactful; deferential, dutiful, obliging, regardful, respectful; altruistic, beneficent, benevolent, benignant, humane, selfless, unselfish; charitable, generous, magnanimous

Near Antonyms inattentive, uncaring, unheeding; inhospitable, unkind, unkindly; ill-bred, ill-mannered, impolite, rude, uncivil, unmannerly; unhelpful; malevolent, malicious, mean, spiteful

Antonyms heedless, inconsiderate, thoughtless, unthinking

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>

Synonyms Argus-eyed, attentive, awake, observant, open-eyed, tenty (also tentie) [Scottish], vigilant, watchful, wide-awake

Related Words alive, aware, conscious, sensitive; cognizant, heedful, keen, mindful, observing, regardful, sharp, sharp-eyed; hyperalert, hypervigilant, sleepless, wakeful; careful, cautious, chary, wary; prepared, ready

Near Antonyms absent, absentminded, absorbed, abstracted, daydreaming, dazed, distracted, dreaming, dreamy, engrossed, faraway, insensible, oblivious, preoccupied; sleeping, unaware, unconscious, unknowing, unwitting; careless, heedless, inattentive, unheeding, unmindful, unthinking, unwary; unprepared, unready

Antonyms asleep