attentive

adjective

at·​ten·​tive ə-ˈten-tiv How to pronounce attentive (audio)
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

Examples of attentive in a Sentence

The hospital is proud of its attentive staff. Our waiter was very attentive.
Recent Examples on the Web Around him were signs of attentive upkeep: new hoses, valves and a hydraulic pump; fresh upholstery on the wheelhouse bench; a new computer monitor connected to a satellite navigation system. C.j. Chivers James Patrick Cronin Elena Hecht Anna Diamond Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 6 June 2024 But Ocean Vuong, with his thoughtful presence and attentive words, has also become a guide for young creatives and seekers of all stripes. Scott Hocker, theweek, 16 Apr. 2024 Jose Mynor Lopez, in his 30s Lopez, described as a loving family man and an attentive father, emigrated to the United States 19 years ago from Guatemala in order to create better opportunities for his family. Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2024 Virgo Midheaven Meticulous and highly attentive to detail, a Virgo Midheaven can indicate admiration for your hard work and sharp precision. Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 1 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for attentive 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'attentive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see attend

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of attentive was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near attentive

Cite this Entry

“Attentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attentive. Accessed 16 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

attentive

adjective
at·​ten·​tive ə-ˈtent-iv How to pronounce attentive (audio)
1
: paying attention
2
: thoughtful for the welfare or comfort of others : courteous
attentively adverb
attentiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on attentive

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