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

Security cameras, personalized access codes, alarm systems and attentive on-site staff can go a long way in deterring criminal activity and ensuring a reliable experience. —Kody Boye, Miami Herald, 22 May 2026

The Four-Star hotel offers elegant rooms and attentive butlers to fill your every need, including providing cribs, high chairs and play pens. —Katie Lara, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

The diagnostic checklist that an attentive observer might have drawn up in Britain in the 1770s seems very familiar. —Danielle Allen, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026

Japan’s Foreign Ministry issued a safety advisory for Japanese citizens in China to be cautious and attentive, avoid going out alone and take care when accompanying children. —ABC News, 20 May 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