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attentif

attentive, careful

adjective ah-tahn-TEEF Rare

Origin: Latin 'attentivus'

Usage Note

Attentif has the feminine form attentive (note the change in pronunciation: ah-tahn-TEEV). The phrase être attentif à means 'to pay attention to' or 'to be mindful of'. It is a more positive word than prudent, emphasizing focus rather than caution.

Examples

"Les élèves étaient très attentifs pendant le cours."

Natural Translation

The students were very attentive during the class.

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