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attentive

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /əˈtɛntɪv/ · UK /əˈtentɪv/

attentive means: Listening or watching carefully so that you notice and understand things.

adjective

PAYING ATTENTIONB2

Listening or watching carefully so that you notice and understand things.

  • The students were attentive.
  • An attentive listener noticed the change in her voice.
  • Are you attentive to small details when you read?

How to use it: attentive to something (Be attentive to the instructions before you begin.)

Similar words: alert, observant, focused

Opposites: inattentive, distracted

Common phrases: attentive listener, attentive audience, attentive student

CARING AND HELPFULB2

Taking care to notice what someone needs and treat them kindly.

  • The waiter was very attentive.
  • Her husband is attentive to her needs.
  • Guests praised the hotel's attentive service.

How to use it: attentive to someone/something (The nurse was attentive to each patient's needs.)

Similar words: considerate, thoughtful, caring

Opposites: inconsiderate, neglectful

Common phrases: attentive staff, attentive service, attentive to someone

Questions about attentive

What does attentive mean?

Listening or watching carefully so that you notice and understand things.

What is attentive in other languages?

Türkçe: dikkatli · Español: atento · Français: attentif · Deutsch: aufmerksam · Italiano: attento · 日本語: 注意深い

How do you pronounce attentive?

In American English /əˈtɛntɪv/; in British English /əˈtentɪv/.

How do you use attentive in a sentence?

The students were attentive. An attentive listener noticed the change in her voice.

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attentive in other languages

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