ENGLISH
REFERENCE

attentive

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //əˈtɛntɪv// UK //ɐtˈɛntɪv// at·ten·tive

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.


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.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English attentif, attentijf, from Old French attentif.

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.

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