attentively
UK: əˈtentɪvli | US: əˈtɛntɪvli
adv. in a manner that shows careful attention or concentration
adv. with polite or considerate focus on others
The word "attentively" traces back to Latin attendere ("to stretch toward, heed"), combining ad- (toward) + tendere (to stretch). The root attent evolved in Old French as atentif (watchful), entering Middle English as attentif. The suffix -ive forms adjectives (e.g., "active"), while -ly converts adjectives into adverbs. The progression reflects a literal "stretching of focus" metaphorically becoming "careful observation."
She listened attentively to the professor’s lecture.
The guard watched the monitors attentively for any signs of disturbance.
Children sat attentively during the storytelling session.
He nodded attentively to show he understood the instructions.
The dog gazed attentively at its owner, waiting for a command.