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

DeRosa has been an attentive listener to local music for decades. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026

But sensational design aside, the main definition of luxury, Lombok Villas style, is having staff who know how to look after you, attentive but never intrusive. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

This means acknowledging the pleasures of looking back in time, while remaining attentive to the ways that schools too often worsen, rather than challenge, inequalities among students. —Michael A Messner, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026

The good outcome for my recovery was especially enhanced by the kind, attentive, caring nurses and therapists. —Letter To Editor, Chicago Tribune, 20 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