Advertent

/ædˈvɜr.tənt/ adjective

Definition

Giving attention; attentive or heedful; aware and noticing.

Etymology

From Latin 'advertens' (turning toward, attentive), the present participle of 'advertere' (to turn toward). This adjective form means the quality of actively turning your attention toward something or someone.

Kelly Says

In medieval philosophy, 'advertent' and 'inadvertent' actions were morally different—a sin committed inadvertently (without attention) might be forgiven, but an advertent sin showed you knew what you were doing, which made it much worse.

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