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

That said, the findings are consistent with a broader body of research suggesting that responsive, attentive interactions are important for healthy child development. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 20 June 2026

Drivers are reminded to exercise patience, remain attentive and use caution while traveling through the area. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2026

The service Service here is friendly, attentive, and thoughtful. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026

Police call for drivers to remain attentive, particularly during the hours of sunrise and sunset, when shifting lighting conditions affect road visibility. —Lyanne Wang, CBS News, 17 June 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