attentively
gb/ətˈɛntɪvli/ us/ətˈɛntɪvli/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
action
1
with close attention
with a lot of attention; not distracted
Usage pattern:
listen/read/watch/look [attentively] (to [someone/something])
Common mistake:
Don’t confuse with attentive (adjective). Attentively is used to describe a verb (e.g., listen attentively).
Synonyms
carefully (focuses on taking care not to miss details or make mistakes.)
|
intently (emphasizes strong concentration or interest.)
|
closely (often used for watching or examining in detail.)
Antonyms
inattentively (without paying attention.)
|
distractedly (with attention pulled away by other things.)
|
carelessly (without enough care or attention to details.)
Collocations
listen attentively
|watch attentively
|read attentively
|look attentively
|study attentively
|follow attentively
|observe attentively
|examine attentively
|wait attentively
|consider attentively
Themes
learning
|communication
|daily_life
Examples
- The class listened attentively while the teacher explained the experiment.
- She watched attentively as the chef demonstrated the technique.
- He glanced around attentively, looking for any sign of trouble.
Learner examples
- Please listen attentively.
- I read the instructions attentively.
adverb
C1
action
2
with considerate, responsive care
in a caring and helpful way
Usage pattern:
treat/look after/attend to [someone] attentively
Common mistake:
This sense is about being considerate to a person’s needs, not only about listening or looking.
Synonyms
considerately (stresses thinking about other people’s feelings and needs.)
|
thoughtfully (highlights kindness and careful attention to what someone might need.)
Antonyms
indifferently (without interest or care for someone’s needs.)
|
neglectfully (failing to give needed care or attention.)
Collocations
serve attentively
|look after someone attentively
|care for someone attentively
|attend to someone attentively
|respond attentively
|wait on someone attentively
Themes
service
|relationships
|daily_life
Examples
- The nurse checked on him attentively throughout the night.
- Staff greeted guests warmly and handled requests attentively.
- He listened to her concerns and responded attentively.
Learner examples
- The waiter served us attentively.
Grammar
Dictionary form
attentively
IPA
GB/ətˈɛntɪvli/
US/ətˈɛntɪvli/
Syllables & stress
at - tent - ively (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tent)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: attentively
- Plural: attentivelies
Word family
Forms
attentivelies
noun
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
inattentive
adjective
inattentively
adverb
inattention
noun
Advanced or less common
attentiveness
noun
Expressions
listen attentively
1/lˈɪsən ətˈɛntɪvli/
fixed phrase
listen with full attention
listen very carefully
Examples
- Please listen attentively to the safety instructions.
- He listened attentively, nodding occasionally to show he understood.
look attentively
1/lˈʊk ətˈɛntɪvli/
fixed phrase
look carefully at something
look very carefully
Examples
- He looked attentively at the screen to spot the error.
- She looked attentively around the room, trying to find her keys.
observe attentively
1/əbzˈɚv ətˈɛntɪvli/
fixed phrase
formal
observe carefully and closely
watch carefully to understand
Examples
- The researchers observed attentively as the animals changed their behavior.
- She observed attentively from a distance, taking notes.
read attentively
1/ɹˈid ətˈɛntɪvli/
fixed phrase
read with careful focus
read very carefully
Examples
- Read the entire email attentively before you reply.
- She read the contract attentively and asked a few questions.
wait attentively
1/wˈeɪt ətˈɛntɪvli/
fixed phrase
wait while staying alert
wait and stay ready
Examples
- The assistant waited attentively for the manager’s signal.
- Guests sat attentively, waiting for their names to be called.
watch attentively
1/wˈɔt͡ʃ ətˈɛntɪvli/
fixed phrase
watch with close attention
watch very carefully
Examples
- The trainees watched attentively as the instructor assembled the device.
- She watched attentively for any change in his expression.