a. (Also 7 attemptive.) [a. F. attentif, -ive (16th c. in Littré), perhaps altered from the earlier ententif, -ive, after L. attentus, attentio; cf. the next word, in which the at-form appears earlier, and see ENTENTIVE, INTENTIVE, TENTIVE.]

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  1.  Steadily applying one’s mind, observant faculties, or energies; giving or evincing careful consideration; intent, heedful, observant.

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[c. 1374.  Chaucer, Boeth., II. i. 29. I was ententif to herkene hire.]

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1577.  Hellowes, Gueuara’s Chron., 10. I admonishe … great lordes, to be magnificent in their giftes, and verie attemptiue in their commaundements.

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1596.  Shaks., Merch. V., V. i. 70. Your spirits are attentiue.

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1622.  T. Scott, Belg. Pismire, 41. Diligent and attentiue at their workes.

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1711.  Addison, Spect., No. 3, ¶ 4. The news … to which she was exceedingly attentive.

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1866.  G. Macdonald, Ann. Q. Neighb., viii. (1878), 134. A more attentive and devout worshipper was not in the congregation.

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  2.  Assiduous in ministering to the comfort or pleasure of others, giving watchful heed to their wishes; polite, courteous.

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1567.  Turberv., To late friend, in Epit., etc., 5 (R.).

        My Senses all take héede,
and yée my wits beware
That you attentiue be on hir
and for none other care.

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1709.  Add. & Steele, Tatler, No. 81, ¶ 3. I saw most of them attentive to three Sirens.

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Mod.  Very attentive to the ladies.

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