attention

[ noun uh-ten-shuhn; interjection uh-ten-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or faculty of attending, especially by directing the mind to an object.

   Synonyms: mindfulness, alertness, watchfulness, awareness, heed, consciousness

2. Psychology.
   1. a concentration of the mind on a single object or thought, especially one preferentially selected from a complex, with a view to limiting or clarifying receptivity by narrowing the range of stimuli.
   2. a state of consciousness characterized by such concentration.
   3. a capacity to maintain selective or sustained concentration.
3. observant care; consideration:

   Individual attention is given to each child.

4. civility or courtesy:

   attention to a guest.

   Synonyms: politeness, homage, respect, regard, deference

5. notice or awareness:

   His deliberate cough caught the waiter's attention.

6. attentions, acts of courtesy or devotion indicating affection, as in courtship.
7. Military. an erect position with eyes to the front, arms to the sides, and heels together (often used as a command).

attention

/ əˈtɛnʃən /

noun

1. concentrated direction of the mind, esp to a problem or task
2. consideration, notice, or observation

   a new matter has come to our attention

3. detailed care or special treatment

   to pay attention to one's appearance

4. usually plural an act of consideration, courtesy, or gallantry indicating affection or love

   attentions given to a lover

5. the motionless position of formal military alertness, esp in drill when an upright position is assumed with legs and heels together, arms to the sides, head and eyes facing to the front
6. psychol the act of concentrating on any one of a set of objects or thoughts See also selective attention

sentence substitute

1. the order to be alert or to adopt a position of formal military alertness

Other Words From

• at·tention·al adjective
• over·at·tention noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of attention¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English attencioun, from Latin attentiōn-, stem of attentiō; attent -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of attention¹

C14: from Latin attentiō, from attendere to apply the mind to; see attend

Idioms and Phrases

see pay attention .

Example Sentences

The attention inspired him to record a demo and eventually to try Nashville a second time.

From Los Angeles Times

But overall, sugar hasn't received a lot of attention from the scientific community despite being the largest cultivated crop by mass on the planet.

From Salon

Its success caught the attention of Netflix bosses, who have now commissioned a second UK season and a US version of the show.

From BBC

Java’s stand predated by two years the uprising over similar anti-LGBTQ+ police harassment at the Stonewall Inn in New York, and has never received the same attention.

From Los Angeles Times

LD, a neurological problem where the vocal cords spasm, has drawn more attention since US President-elect Donald Trump appointed Robert F Kennedy Jr - who has the condition - to his new team.

From BBC

Related Words

• awareness
• concern
• recognition
• regard
• spotlight
• treatment