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

• 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

This was just one of a great number of changes the couple made to the house over several years, gradually altering the layout of the rooms and adding a bath and an oven as their fortunes improved, thanks to the increasing popularity of Virginia’s work and Leonard’s attentive book-keeping. —Katie Da Cunha Lewin september 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025

With fewer guests, staff have more time for attentive and genuine interactions. —Andrea Grisdale, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 2025

Luxury meets pet-friendliness with spacious rooms and attentive service. —Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025

The attentive and gracious service merits applause and, along with the exciting Nikkei fare, a swift return visit. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 22 Sep. 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