What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
alertness
Example
The driver's alertness saved him from a potential accident. [alertness: noun]
Example
She drank coffee to increase her alertness during the meeting. [alertness: noun]
attentiveness
Example
The teacher praised the student's attentiveness during class. [attentiveness: noun]
Example
He showed attentiveness by listening carefully to her concerns. [attentiveness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Attentiveness is more commonly used than alertness in everyday language. Attentiveness is a versatile quality that applies to various contexts, while alertness is more specific and often used in situations that require heightened awareness and caution.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between alertness and attentiveness?
Both alertness and attentiveness can be used in formal and informal contexts, but attentiveness is more versatile and can be employed in various levels of formality, making it more appropriate for formal settings.