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

Skye has become especially attentive whenever Michael leaves the house. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026

The service The team here demonstrates consistently warm and attentive hospitality, and makes stays particularly memorable with their personal touches throughout. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026

The attentive house staff handles the details throughout the stay, allowing the experience to feel both highly personalized and effortless. — Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

The Service During my flight, which was approximately 50% full, the crew was thoughtful and attentive, even offering to rearrange seating and give additional space to a passenger with an anxious pet. — Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 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