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

• 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

Contributions spike dramatically in the two months prior to an election, precisely when candidates are vulnerable, and voters are most attentive. —John J. Donohue, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025

Dōgon is alluringly dim and powered by an army of attentive servers. —The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025

Their presence builds trust faster, and the awareness results in clearer communication, more attentive listening and more effective problem-solving. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Thanks to the limited number of guests on board, every aspect of the journey is more personal—from the warm camaraderie of fellow travelers to the attentive crew who tailor experiences to each guest’s interests and activity levels. —Uncruise Adventures, AFAR Media, 3 Sep. 2025

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