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.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell struck a more dovish tone on monetary policy yesterday, reassuring investors that the central bank remains attentive to both inflation and a softening labor market. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025 Ultimately, Flatbike’s evolution illustrates how attentive problem-solving rooted in personal experience can yield solutions that are both practical and widely relevant. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025 Guys were paying attention to everything Coach was saying — very attentive to detail on coverages, plays, positioning — all that. Evan Bell, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025 While the roads are well-maintained, the winding mountain sections require attentive driving, especially when leaf-peeping traffic increases. Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 5 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 22 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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