Attentiveness — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

Related Entry: Attentive (adjective)

Attentive is a different word from Attentiveness. The synonyms below are for attentive, not for attentiveness.

1. having the mind fixed on something

   "Susan became particularly attentive when the sportscaster turned to women's tennis, her favorite sport"

   similar: absorbed, deep, engrossed, enthralled, focused, immersed, intent, observant, rapt, all ears
   related: engaged, interested, intrigued, involved, hypnotized, mesmerized, alert, alive, conscious, open-eyed, watchful, wide-awake
   opposite: absent, absentminded, abstracted, distracted, inattentive, inobservant, unabsorbed, unfocused
   near: daydreaming, dreamy, faraway, foggy, hazy, lost, oblivious, preoccupied, remote, apathetic, disinterested, uninterested

2. given to or made with heedful anticipation of the needs and happiness of others

   "an attentive neighbor who helps out whenever and wherever she spots a need"

   similar: considerate, kind, solicitous, thoughtful
   related: brotherly, good, good-hearted, helpful, hospitable, kindhearted, kindly, neighborly, nice, caring, compassionate, sympathetic, tender, chivalrous, courteous, courtly, gallant, gracious, polite, diplomatic, tactful, deferential, dutiful, obliging, regardful, respectful, altruistic, beneficent, benevolent, benignant, humane, selfless, unselfish, charitable, generous, magnanimous
   opposite: heedless, inconsiderate, thoughtless, unthinking
   near: inattentive, uncaring, unheeding, inhospitable, unkind, unkindly, ill-bred, ill-mannered, impolite, rude, uncivil, unmannerly, unhelpful, malevolent, malicious, mean, spiteful

3. paying close attention usually for the purpose of anticipating approaching danger or opportunity

   "if only for your own safety, you need to stay attentive when you are hunting"

   similar: alert, Argus-eyed, awake, observant, open-eyed, tenty (Scottish), vigilant, watchful, wide-awake, on guard, on one's toes, on the alert, on the ball, on the qui vive, on tiptoe
   related: alive, aware, conscious, sensitive, cognizant, heedful, keen, mindful, observing, regardful, sharp, sharp-eyed, hyperalert, hypervigilant, sleepless, wakeful, careful, cautious, chary, wary, prepared, ready
   opposite: asleep
   near: absent, absentminded, absorbed, abstracted, daydreaming, dazed, distracted, dreaming, dreamy, engrossed, faraway, insensible, oblivious, preoccupied, sleeping, unaware, unconscious, unknowing, unwitting, careless, heedless, inattentive, unheeding, unmindful, unthinking, unwary, unprepared, unready