attentive
Americanadjective
-
characterized by or giving attention; observant.
an attentive audience.
- Antonyms:
- unconcerned, apathetic, indifferent
-
thoughtful of others; considerate; polite; courteous.
an attentive host.
adjective
-
paying attention; listening carefully; observant
-
careful to fulfil the needs or wants (of); considerate (about)
she was always attentive to his needs
Other Word Forms
- attentively adverb
- attentiveness noun
- overattentive adjective
- overattentively adverb
- unattentive adjective
- unattentively adverb
Etymology
Origin of attentive
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Middle French; attent ( def. ), -ive ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He was known for being detail-oriented, but also fully attentive to the big picture.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026
It has not been a major issue, but when I consider the effects of inflation on our retirement savings, I have become more attentive to such matters.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026
"As for us, his parents, we are waiting. Our contacts at the crisis centre are very attentive and inspire confidence. We are tired but optimistic," he added.
From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026
The four-time Pro Bowl player stood and was attentive but did not speak during the hearing, which lasted less than two minutes.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026
When the loud trains pull into their stops and the engines pause, attentive listeners can hear it.
From "Jazz" by Toni Morrison
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
