What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
attentive
Example
The students were attentive during the lecture, taking notes and asking questions. [attentive: adjective]
Example
She is always attentive to her friends' feelings and offers support when they need it. [attentive: adjective]
observant
Example
The detective was observant and noticed a small clue that led to solving the case. [observant: adjective]
Example
She is very observant and can tell when someone is feeling sad even if they don't say anything. [observant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Attentive is more commonly used than observant in everyday language. Attentive is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while observant is less common and often used in specific situations or professions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between attentive and observant?
Both attentive and observant can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, attentive is more commonly used in everyday conversations, making it slightly more informal compared to observant, which is often used in more specialized or professional settings.
