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

Ana said many in the school were aware some girls got "a lot of attention" from Foden.

From BBC

“In the attention economy … anything that gives you an advantage in terms of differentiating yourself,” Perren said.

From Los Angeles Times

Many people have not been paying attention to the movement that brought Trump to power, and may not be aware of the misinformation bubble that it has funded.

From Salon

For years, victims and advocates tried to call attention to the dangerous encounters at Buck’s apartment.

From Los Angeles Times

"People message on social media asking for dates, their attention shifts or acts differently when I tell them I'm blind."

From BBC

Mr Jones said he could not comment on matters relating to staff, but "any allegation" brought to the board's attention would be dealt with in accordance with its policies.

From BBC

Hundreds of sailors were on hand for the event, and each of them stood at attention during the national anthem.

From Los Angeles Times

Points are issued for road offences, such as driving without due care and attention and speeding.

From BBC

He has hosted programmes on Fox News, using his platform to draw attention to military and veterans' issues.

From BBC

Programs with bright colors, repetition and songs grab hold of children’s attention, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

If so, then the critically acclaimed “The Wild Robot” and the charming “Inside Out 2,” Pixar’s highest-grossing film of all time, would like your attention.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m looking at all these young sailors standing there at attention before the national anthem played and I’m thinking to myself, ‘How incredible.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s unlikely that Trump will pay attention to the Pentagon’s operations against jihadists there or in the West African Sahel, unless there is a high-profile incident with American casualties.

From BBC

The mysterious whale first came to public attention five years ago when it approached fishermen off the northern coast of Norway.

From BBC

Jones told the summit: "The thing that really provoked me to say it's time to pay attention now is Tupac."

From BBC

The COP event aims to draw attention to the fact that relatively simple changes to aviation practice could eliminate much of the warming impact of these trails.

From BBC

The use of intimacy coordinators has generated significant media attention and become increasingly commonplace in the film and TV business over the past several years.

From Los Angeles Times

He put the gesture down to a recent increase in international attention and pressure.

From BBC

A study conducted in Mossel Bay, South Africa involved towing seal-shaped boards fitted with different configurations of lights behind a boat to see which attracted the most attention.

From BBC

However, the nature of Coote’s alleged comments are also attracting the attention of the FA.

From BBC

Since “Thelma,” her first starring role, Squibb can feel the increased attention as soon as she steps out her front door.

From Los Angeles Times

The method has also caught the attention of the wider exercise community because of its efficiency: a slow-motion workout is just 20 minutes long, once a week.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite all the turmoil, Bitcoin continues to attract attention from investors and big companies.

From BBC

Cauchi had come "to the attention" of Queensland police several times, she said.

From BBC

Hundreds of sailors were on hand for the event, each standing at attention during the playing of the national anthem.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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