Attentive
/əˈtɛn.tɪv/noun
Paying close attention to something or someone.
Did you know?The word 'attentive' comes from a Latin root meaning 'to stretch' or 'to reach out', suggesting a deep connection between focus and the act of extending oneself mentally.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ten-
“to stretch, extend”
Latin
Latin
attentus
“stretched toward, attentive”
Old French
Old French
atentif
“attentive, careful”
Middle English
Middle English
attentif
“mindful, heedful”
Modern English
English
attentive
“paying close attention, observant”