Word
attentive
Phoneticsat·ten·tive, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈtɛntɪv/
UK/ɐtˈɛntɪv/
Definition
adj. listening or watching very carefully. You use this to describe someone who pays close attention to your needs or to what is happening.
adj. paying close attention to something; alert and observant. Often describes a person who is mindful of the needs or comfort of others.
Examples
“The students are very attentive during the science lesson.”
“A good waiter is always attentive to the customers without being intrusive.”
“The nurse's attentive care during the first few hours after surgery was crucial to the patient's swift recovery and overall peace of mind.”
Examples
simple
“The students are very attentive during the science lesson.”
contextual
“A good waiter is always attentive to the customers without being intrusive.”
complex
“The nurse's attentive care during the first few hours after surgery was crucial to the patient's swift recovery and overall peace of mind.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'to'.
Pitfall
He is attentive for his work.
He is attentive to his work.
Attentive typically takes the preposition 'to' when indicating the object of focus.
Real-World Examples
“A growing body of research suggests that keeping a watchful eye or attentive ear out for birds can help people from all walks of life feel more calm, present and refreshed.” “Studies show that even being attentive to word choice can help ensure effective care for patients that avoids victim blaming.” Etymology
From Middle English attentif, attentijf, from Old French attentif.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/attentive