At*ten"tive (ăt*t&ebreve;n"t&ibreve;v), a. [Cf. F. attentif.] 1. Heedful; intent; observant; regarding with care or attention.

&fist; Attentive is applied to the senses of hearing and seeing, as, an attentive ear or eye; to the application of the mind, as in contemplation; or to the application of the mind, in every possible sense, as when a person is attentive to the words, and to the manner and matter, of a speaker at the same time.

2. Heedful of the comfort of others; courteous.

Syn. -- Heedful; intent; observant; mindful; regardful; circumspect; watchful.

-- At*ten"tive*ly, adv. -- At*ten"tive*ness, n.

• paying attention; noticing, watching, listening, or attending closely
       She is an attentive listener, but does not like to talk much.