French word

attentiste

Pronunciation

IPA/atɑ̃tist/

Meaning

  • adjectivewait-and-see

Example

Je reste attentiste pour l'instant.

For now, I am taking a wait-and-see approach.

Illustration for attentiste (wait-and-see)

More examples

Lors des débats, il s'est montré attentiste plutôt que proactif.

During the debates, he took a wait-and-see approach rather than being proactive.

Core concept

A decision is held back while events are watched before any intervention.

Common phrases

  • se montrer attentiste

    take a wait-and-see approach

  • réaction attentiste

    wait-and-see reaction

Similar words

réservé: Unforthcoming about personal opinions or feelings.
réticent: Reluctant to take action, give consent, or accept something.
patient: Content to wait for results or changes without rushing.

Definition in French

Qui manifeste une posture prudente ou réticente, préférant différer une décision plutôt que d'intervenir immédiatement.

Word origin

Attentiste is formed from attentisme, which derives from attendre with the suffix -isme, while -iste marks an associated stance.

Usage tips

  • Attentiste is common in political and business writing and sounds more formal than ordinary everyday wording.

Opposites

  • proactifproactiveadjective
  • réactifreactiveadjective

Related words

  • attentismewait-and-see policynoun

Word lists with this word