attentive

adjective

at·​ten·​tive ə-ˈten-tiv How to pronounce attentive (audio)
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

Examples of attentive in a Sentence

The hospital is proud of its attentive staff. Our waiter was very attentive.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Only four minutes later, Kilman tried to pass around Aaronson, but gave it straight to the attentive No 11. Beren Cross, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025 Even as Wall Street analysts complained that Costco ought to be more attentive to shareholders, its strategy appeared to be working. Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025 In the documentary, neighbors, friends, and family describe Owens as a caring and attentive mother who stepped in whenever her kids were antagonized by Lorincz. Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025 Habanero Cafe features attentive servers who take your order at your table, but payment happens at the counter in the front foyer. Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for attentive

Word History

Etymology

see attend

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of attentive was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Attentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attentive. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

attentive

adjective
at·​ten·​tive ə-ˈtent-iv How to pronounce attentive (audio)
1
: paying attention
2
: thoughtful for the welfare or comfort of others : courteous
attentively adverb
attentiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on attentive

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