attentive

/əˈtɛntɪv/

/aˈtɛntɪv/

Use the adjective attentive to describe someone who is alert and paying attention: “Attentive observers of the play used clues given in the first scenes of the play to guess the identity of the murderer.”

You probably notice that the word attentive looks a lot like the noun attention. It’s easy to remember how to use attentive when you know that the words share related meanings. Use the adjective attentive to describe someone who is full of attention, watching and listening carefully, such as an attentive student who takes great notes and asks questions when something isn't clear.

Definitions of attentive

1. adjective

   taking heed; giving close and thoughtful attention
   synonyms: heedful, paying attention, thoughtful
2. adjective

   (often followed by `to') giving care or attention
   “attentive to details”

   “the nurse was attentive to her patient”

   “an attentive suitor”

   synonyms:

   absorbed, captive, engrossed, enwrapped, intent, wrapped

   giving or marked by complete attention to

   advertent, heedful

   giving attention

   observant

   paying close attention especially to details

   oversolicitous

   excessively solicitous

   solicitous

   showing hovering attentiveness

   concerned

   feeling or showing worry or solicitude

   antonyms:

   inattentive

   showing a lack of attention or care

   absent, absentminded, abstracted, scatty

   lost in thought; showing preoccupation

   distracted, distrait

   having the attention diverted especially because of anxiety

   dreamy, moony, woolgathering

   showing a lack of attention or care

   drowsy, oscitant, yawning

   showing lack of attention or boredom

   forgetful, oblivious

   failing to keep in mind

   careless

   marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful

   negligent

   characterized by neglect and undue lack of concern