attentively

[ uh-ten-tiv-lee ]

adverb

1. while giving attention; observantly:

   Please listen attentively.

2. while thoughtfully attending to others; politely; courteously:

   Our stay was attentively organized by the director.

Word History and Origins

Origin of attentively¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; Middle English; attentive ( def ) + -ly ( def )

Example Sentences

Other visitors sit attentively, following the step-by-step tutorials on how to use a drum machine or create a sample.

From Los Angeles Times

The dog clamored to a community deck, overlooking the Morrison, attentively watching the building.

From Los Angeles Times

Dozens of school groups are listening attentively to guides about their city’s colourful history while a queue forms around the altar to make a wish.

From BBC

I found myself at times closing my eyes and listening attentively, as though to a radio drama.

From Los Angeles Times

Chairman Adam Cohn began attending hearings, sitting attentively in the gallery as attorney Louis “Skip” Miller assured the court the school earnestly wanted to reach a settlement.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anxiously
• conscientiously
• correctly
• deliberately
• delicately
• discreetly
• faithfully
• fully
• gingerly
• laboriously
• meticulously
• precisely
• prudently
• rigorously
• scrupulously
• thoroughly
• thoughtfully
• warily