attentively

Everyday

1. In a way that pays close attention, listening or watching carefully. tree →
2. In a caring, helpful way that notices what someone needs. tree →

In the lessons

In school it describes good listening: «listen attentively», «read the question attentively». In stories it shows a character is focused or caring. Often after verbs like listen, watch, read, nod. In safety talk, watching a crossing or a teacher's instructions attentively keeps you safe.

Examples

• The class listened attentively to the story. tree →
• Read each question attentively before you answer. tree →
• The dog watched attentively as I opened the fridge. tree →
• She nodded attentively while her friend explained the game. tree →
• The nurse cared for the patient attentively all night. tree →
• Watch attentively and copy each step of the experiment. tree →
• He sat attentively at the front, pencil ready. tree →
• ‘Oh, certainly,’ he replied, and began: ‘Now, listen attentively. tree →

Note

Spelling: attent-ive-ly, double t. It tells how an action is done, so it goes with a verb. Not the same as «carefully» in every case: attentively is about attention, carefully is about avoiding mistakes or harm. Opposite: inattentively, carelessly.

In Jewish tradition

In Job it means listening with full care to the thunder of God's voice.

Interpretation. Elihu urges Job to listen well to God's voice in the storm. Tradition reads nature's thunder as a sign of God's greatness.

Examples

• Hear attentively the noise of His voice, and the sound that goeth out of His mouth. (Writings JOB.37.2, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Spelling: attent-ive-ly, double t. It tells how an action is done, so it goes with a verb. Not the same as «carefully» in every case: attentively is about attention, carefully is about avoiding mistakes or harm. Opposite: inattentively, carelessly.