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.
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 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 29 May. 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

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