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

Clint Howard is Bris, the eager and attentive assistant of Whoville's esteemed Mayor. —Danny Horn, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Nov. 2025

And without wishing to sound too breathless or gushing about it all, Singita really is the ne plus ultra of African safaris—its unique blend of luxury, genuinely impactful conservation, and mind-bogglingly attentive levels of service sets it in another league. —Liam Hess, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2025

Instead, be attentive and fully present without being pushy. —Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 24 Nov. 2025

Even with the most attentive watering, a Christmas tree can't last forever in the warm and dry environment of your home. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 Nov. 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