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

The report’s authors said shoppers remain attentive to prices, reinforcing a holiday season that is defined by both a willingness to spend as well as a continued focus on value. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026

The three-part 40mm drivers deliver fantastic audio by combining highs, mids, and lows to create an immersive soundscape that keeps you engaged and attentive. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026

Weeks before our call, in the warm glow of a Lower Manhattan vinyl listening theater, a DJ dropped the needle on classic soul records for a room full of attentive young listeners who weren’t alive for their release. — Natelegé Whaley, VIBE.com, 3 Nov. 2026

Great vibes can also come down to the waitstaff – attentive service can make an already good dining experience even better. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 3 Nov. 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