attentive

Everyday

1. Listening or watching carefully and paying close attention. tree →
2. Kind and helpful, noticing what other people need. tree →

In the lessons

At school a teacher may praise an attentive class or pupil who listens well. In stories it describes a careful listener or a caring host, nurse or friend. It tells the reader that someone is focused or thoughtful. Common phrases: "attentive to", "an attentive listener", "listen attentively".

Examples

• The class was very attentive during the science demonstration. tree →
• Be attentive when the lifeguard gives the rules. tree →
• She is an attentive listener and remembers what you say. tree →
• The waiter was attentive and refilled our water. tree →
• The nurse was attentive to every patient. tree →
• Attentive readers will spot the clue in chapter two. tree →
• The dog sat attentively, waiting for the ball. tree →
• ‘That I will,’ said the Hare, ‘you will find me a most attentive pupil.’ tree →

Note

It is an adjective; the noun is "attention" (pay attention) and the adverb is "attentively". Use "attentive to" someone or something. Do not confuse with "attractive" (nice to look at) or "attendant" (a helper).

In Jewish tradition

In the Psalms it describes God's ears, which the speaker asks to listen closely to prayer.

Interpretation. The line comes from a psalm said in times of trouble, "Out of the depths." Tradition reads it as the hope that God hears every cry.

Examples

• Lord, hearken unto my voice; let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. (Writings PSA.130.2, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

It is an adjective; the noun is "attention" (pay attention) and the adverb is "attentively". Use "attentive to" someone or something. Do not confuse with "attractive" (nice to look at) or "attendant" (a helper).