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

• absorbed
• deep
• engrossed
• enthralled
• focused
• focussed
• immersed
• intent
• observant
• rapt

Examples of attentive in a Sentence

The hospital is proud of its attentive staff.

Our waiter was very attentive.

Recent Examples on the Web

Drivers are expected to stay attentive at all times and be ready to take control, which is one reason Tesla has recently added ‘Supervised’ to the name. —Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025

Schulz said that ability to quickly find and provide such attentive care is why the decision was made to drive the cats to the northern San Diego County facility. —Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025

An overly attentive, socially inept pain in the arse. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 May 2025

But there is also the reality of her careful, attentive mothering, which includes making customized breakfasts. —Daphne Merkin, New York Times, 18 May 2025

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