French word

attentif

Pronunciation

IPA/atɑ̃tif/

Meaning

  • adjectivecareful

Example

Sois attentif quand tu traverses la rue.

Be careful when you cross the street.

Illustration for attentif (careful)

More examples

Pendant la réunion, reste attentif aux informations importantes.

During the meeting, remain attentive to the important information.

Core concept

A watchful mind that catches important details before they are missed.

Common phrases

  • être attentif à

    be attentive to ___

  • être attentif aux détails

    be attentive to the details

  • rester attentif

    remain attentive

Similar words

vigilant: Alert to possible dangers and changes in the surroundings.
concentré: Deeply focused on a single matter and not easily distracted.
prudent: Taking care to avoid risks through cautious actions.
observateur: Quick to spot details that others may overlook.

Definition in French

Qui montre qu'une personne remarque et prend en compte les éléments importants d'une situation.

Word origin

French attentif comes from Latin attentivus, built on attendere, meaning to direct attention toward, with the adjective-forming suffix -ivus.

Usage tips

  • The usual construction is attentif à, as in attentif aux détails, not attentif de.

Other meanings

  • cautiousadjective

Opposites

  • inattentifinattentiveadjective
  • distraitdistractedadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word