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
Shadow on the other hand is “very protective. He’s also very giving and generous. He doesn’t give up easily and he’s a very attentive father.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026
The attentive Henry Jencken was once again among the guests at an 1872 dinner and séance in London.
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
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.
