What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
attentively
Example
The students listened attentively to the teacher's instructions. [attentively: adverb]
Example
She watched the movie attentively, trying to catch every detail. [attentively: adverb]
intently
Example
He stared intently at the painting, trying to decipher its meaning. [intently: adverb]
Example
The child listened intently to her mother's story, captivated by every word. [intently: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Attentively is more commonly used than intently in everyday language. Attentively is a versatile word that can be used in different situations, while intently is less common and typically used in more specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between attentively and intently?
Both attentively and intently can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, attentively is generally considered more neutral and can be used in a wider range of situations, making it slightly more formal than intently.
