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

Thomas, an eminent artist and scholar, is protean and stubborn, aging and ageless, keenly attentive and impossible to pin down. —Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026

Successful pest management in the rose garden always begins with attentive, hands-on care. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026

An attentive host, Parks often set the mood for the night with tea lights and special candles. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2026

The firm functions with the structure and resources often associated with larger practices while maintaining a more personal and attentive client experience. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 1 Apr. 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