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 staff are attentive and put in a lot of effort, ready to share tips and favourite restaurants, and really go the extra mile to make your stay pleasant and memorable. — Julia Wytrazek, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026

The question is more easily answered by Percherette than by even the most attentive Austen characters. — Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026

Our nervous systems remain attentive to signals of acceptance, rejection and threat. — Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026

Changes in the adolescent brain make teenagers increasingly attentive to their social worlds, says Wayne State University psychology professor Hannah Schacter. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 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