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 But being attentive to the world is both possible and crucial. Celine Nguyen, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2024 The staff was extremely attentive, taking notes of every personal single preference. Rachel Dube, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2024 The Last Temptation of Homer'' (season 5, episode 9) Airdate: Dec. 9, 1993 When Mr. Burns is forced to hire a female employee at the plant, Homer is suddenly very attentive at work. EW.com, 18 Mar. 2024 Don’t be slowed down by TSA Jessica Mayle, the Transportation Security Administration's regional spokesperson for the Wisconsin and nearby states, underscored the importance of being attentive to officers' instructions in an email to the Journal Sentinel. David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2024 This includes being attentive to their needs, resolving issues promptly and showing genuine empathy and appreciation for their patronage. Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2024 Those who perceived their buddies as attentive, caring and encouraging saw the largest reductions in BMI and waist size. Katie Mogg, NBC News, 10 Feb. 2024 Menu descriptions are straightforward, but attentive diners can find Tuala-Tamaalelagi’s stamp on just about every dish. Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 8 Feb. 2024 Involuntary manslaughter maximum sentence is 15 years The defense argued that Jennifer Crumbley was an attentive parent who could not have foreseen her son’s rampage. Gina Kaufman, Detroit Free Press, 6 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'attentive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near attentive

Cite this Entry

“Attentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attentive. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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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