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

This relativist turn in anthropology gained ground in succeeding decades, as the discipline became ever more attentive to the specificity of cultures, and increasingly wary of universal claims about the human condition. —Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 2 May 2026

The service Staff are young, creative, attentive—balancing friendliness with just the right dose of Japan’s famed omotenashi hospitality. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 May 2026

Both were calm, respectful and attentive during the nearly two-hour hearing, which hashed out the merits of their competing temporary protective orders. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 1 May 2026

Easter Eggs Honoring the Park’s People Dollywood is full of small tributes that reward attentive fans. —Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2026

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