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

Some campaigners have sought to raise attention to the dangers before.

From BBC

“Tweeting 262 times about a bill that applies to like .00000001% of Congress in 36 hours is definitely about protecting women. It’s certainly not just a ploy for media attention,” Johnson joked.

From Salon

"I have very eclectic taste, so sometimes people say, 'You really like that?' And I'm like, 'Yeah, I really like that. And if you pay attention, you might like it too.'"

From Salon

Nobody was seriously injured during the attack, but two women needed medical attention for cuts and bruises, Kent Police previously said.

From BBC

It revealed that while researchers have focused on linking climate impacts to the onset of conflict, there has been less attention on how climate impacts affect communities already experiencing conflict or involved in peacebuilding.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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