advertent

[ ad-vur-tnt ]

adjective

1. attentive; heedful.

Other Words From

• ad·vertent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of advertent¹

1665–75; < Latin advertent- (stem of advertēns, present participle of advertere ), equivalent to ad- ad- + vert- turn + -ent- -ent

Example Sentences

“We don’t want to have the door open that they can go see advertent nudity and sexual acts or the depiction of sexual acts,” said Republican Sen. Becky Massey.

From Washington Times

Federal prison authorities, he said, “would have very, very substantial concerns about that because of the risk of either advertent or inadvertent disruption of the IV lines.”

From New York Times

During an investigation, evidence like Mr. Comey’s memos “are typically held in confidence through the course of the investigation and any ensuing proceedings to ensure that all witnesses provide truthful evidence based on their own recollections and not on any inadvertent or advertent tailoring or influence from other witness statements.”

From New York Times

The next morning Evelyn appears cold and still in her bed, as Stella realizes that she has become an inadvertent — or perhaps advertent? — murderer.

From Washington Post

And it’s very dark, so inadvertent — or advertent — touching just might occur.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• attentive
• discerning
• discriminating
• intelligent
• mindful
• perceptive
• vigilant