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

The attentive casting extends to the non-Lomans as well. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2026

We were called in to be more inclusive, to be more compassionate, to be more attentive to the back of the house as much as the front of the house. —Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 8 Apr. 2026

The level of service, in general, is friendly and relaxed, but attentive. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026

The staff are extraordinarily attentive and the food spectacular. —Alexandra Genova, TheWeek, 7 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