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attentive

Adjective

IPA /əˈtɛntɪv/

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Meaning in plain English

Paying close attention to what someone is saying or what is happening, so that you notice and understand the important details.

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Pronunciation

attentive/əˈtɛntɪv/

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The children were attentive while their grandfather explained the board game.
An attentive listener can often spot details that others miss.

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The children were ________ while their grandfather explained the board game.

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attentive — Paying close attention to what someone is saying or what is happening, so that you notice and understand the important details.

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Paying close attention to what someone is saying or what is happening, so that you notice and understand the important details.

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Word origin

From Old French attentif, related to atendre, meaning to give attention, and ultimately Latin attendere.

Did you know?

Attentively is the adverb: listen attentively means listen with close attention.

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