adjective

attentive

uh-TEN-tiv/əˈtentɪv/

Carefully noticing and responding to what is happening.

The attentive nurse listens closely to the older patient.

A white nurse listens carefully to an older South Asian patient, engaged eye contact.

Etymology

atLatintoward

+tentLatinto stretch

+iveOld Frenchcharacterized by

The image of stretching the mind toward something underlies being heedful or observant. Applied to another person's needs, attentive also came to describe actively caring for those needs.

In context

Nature's Moments148:53

Beside it stands its mother, tall and attentive. She is browsing but never takes her eyes off her calf.

The Most Dangerous Predators of Africa | FULL EPISODE | Wildlife Documentary

More examples

An attentive host notices when a guest needs help.
The audience remained attentive throughout the long presentation.
She is attentive to small changes in her patients' condition.

Forms

attentively adverb — With careful attention to what is happening.

Similar words

observant: Emphasizes noticing details rather than responding to others' needs.
considerate: Emphasizes concern for other people rather than careful observation.