attentive

play

adjective at·ten·tive \ə-ˈten-tiv\

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

attentively

adverb

attentiveness

noun

See attentive defined for English-language learners

See attentive defined for kids

Examples of attentive in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of attentive from the Web

Democracy requires a citizenry that is active, attentive and engaged — in state and local government as much as on the national stage.

— chris coons, Time, "The Threat to American Elections You Don’t Know About But Should", 30 June 2017
Others are less attentive and construct shoddier homes for their offspring.

— andrea marks, Scientific American, "Why Some Mice Seem to Make Bad Parents", 26 June 2017
Though no obvious explanation involves humane treatment and attentive medical care.

— james hamblin, The Atlantic, "What Happened to Otto Warmbier?", 16 June 2017
Yet questions are being raised, too, about how these two sets of attackers managed to evade Iran’s attentive counter-espionage apparatus and tight internal security.

— scott peterson, The Christian Science Monitor, "Terror in Tehran: Could attacks change Iran's ISIS strategy?", 7 June 2017
As the longtime head of the Midwest Greek Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Iakovos was remembered by church leaders this week as a faithful steward and stable force who was attentive to the needs of its members.

— meredith colias, Post-Tribune, "Head of Chicago Greek Archdiocese remembered for common touch", 7 June 2017
Research has confirmed as much: As Douglas noted, a handful of studies have demonstrated that uptalkers rely on the inflection to keep their conversation partner engaged and attentive.

— cari romm, The Cut, "The Real Purpose of Uptalk Is to Get You to Shut Up and Listen", 5 June 2017
Millenia 106 adds something a little different to The Mall at Millenia with its attentive service, comfortable atmosphere and approachable menu full of quality ingredients.

— lauren delgado, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Millenia 106 not your average 'mall restaurant'", 2 June 2017
Dads actually parent their toddler daughters differently than their toddler son, according to a new study published in Behavioral Neuroscience, and fathers with daughters are more attentive to their daughters than dads with sons.

— emma baty, Redbook, "'Daddy's Little Girl' Isn't Such a Cliché After All", 1 June 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of attentive

see attend

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First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

ATTENTIVE Defined for English Language Learners

attentive

play

adjective

Definition of attentive for English Language Learners

: thinking about or watching something carefully : paying careful attention to something
: very concerned about the needs of others

ATTENTIVE Defined for Kids

attentive

play

adjective at·ten·tive \ə-ˈten-tiv\

Definition of attentive for Students

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