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

But whereas McGinley’s grittily intimate style had an erotic edge, Storch’s is tenderly attentive. —Dawn Chan, New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2025

The tension and urgency in the dialogue appeared to have struck a nerve with the real-life canine Max, whose attentive reactions give the moment a new comedic layer. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025

Allura boasts the most spacious staterooms at sea, starting at more than 290 square feet, and attentive service with two staff members for every three guests. —Susan B. Barnes, Southern Living, 3 Dec. 2025

Clint Howard is Bris, the eager and attentive assistant of Whoville's esteemed Mayor. —Danny Horn, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Nov. 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