attentive

at·ten·tive | \ ə-ˈten-tiv

How to pronounce attentive (audio)

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Definition of attentive

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

Other Words from attentive Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about attentive

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Examples of attentive in a Sentence

The hospital is proud of its attentive staff. Our waiter was very attentive.

Recent Examples on the Web Ever attentive to details, Barnett stocked Marlene Dietrich’s room at the Fairmont Hotel with yellow and white flowers and bottles of Dom Perignon Champagne. — John Pope, NOLA.com, "Marilyn Barnett, tennis player, sports reporter and confidante of the stars, dies at 97," 17 Jan. 2021 The luxurious experience included a first-class lounge before boarding, lie-flat seats, pajamas, decadent meals, and an attentive flight attendant. — Erin Lowry, Condé Nast Traveler, "Is It Better to Spend Frequent Flier Miles on Business or Economy Class?," 28 Dec. 2020 Remain attentive this week since a happy glow shines on important issues in your life. — Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive, "Horoscope for Dec. 27, 2020: Gemini, hope for the best; Virgo, change things up," 27 Dec. 2020 The results, more subtle than pronounced, reward attentive listening. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, "All boxed up! New CD and vinyl box sets from Prince, Joni Mitchell, Frank Zappa, U2 and more," 13 Dec. 2020 The audience, until then attentive, quickly exited. — New York Times, "India’s Leading Documentary Filmmaker Has a Warning," 1 Dec. 2020 The key to uniform and tender cookies is attentive mixing of the dough. — Washington Post, "7 smart tips for baking better cookies," 1 Dec. 2020 The setting, décor, attentive service, wine, and food all work together to deliver an extraordinary experience. — Troy L. Smith, cleveland, "Rock Hall’s head of licensing and merchandising Diana Borcz’s favorite dining choices: Five for Friday," 25 Nov. 2020 There’s no getting around it, despite his soft suits and his tan face and his bright teeth and his intent, vital wife—despite all the attentive wrapping. — Benjamin Wallace-wells, The New Yorker, "Joe Biden’s Faith in America," 8 Nov. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'attentive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Learn More about attentive

Dictionary Entries near attentive

attention-grabbing

Statistics for attentive

Last Updated

26 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Attentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attentive. Accessed 26 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for attentive

attentive

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of attentive

: thinking about or watching something carefully : paying careful attention to something

: very concerned about the needs of others

See the full definition for attentive in the English Language Learners Dictionary

attentive

at·ten·tive | \ ə-ˈten-tiv

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Kids Definition of attentive

1 : paying attention an attentive listener

2 : very thoughtful about the needs of others Mama was cordial and attentive to everyone, as if entertaining them gave her a purpose.— Pam Muñoz Ryan, Esperanza Rising

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