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

We know more than ever about attention span and engagement, or the connection between socio-emotional development and academic outcomes.

From TechCrunch

A lack of institutional leadership also means there aren’t many prominent people or groups showing up to nudge politicians to pay attention to their issues.

From FiveThirtyEight

The QAnon conspiracy theory, which originated online three years ago, has gained more attention this year.

From Washington Post

With no iPhone to soak up all the attention this year, the two new models—the premium Apple Watch Series 6 and the lesser Apple SE—shone.

From Fortune

While this campaign is mostly geared toward informing Instagram users, Steyer said he also hopes the celebrity messages will garner the attention of advertisers.

From Fortune

One witness said the gunfire began after a traffic collision, which drew the attention of a nearby police officer.

From The Daily Beast

First, they allow Paul to siphon off attention from whichever potential candidate is making news.

From The Daily Beast

In short, fatherhood gets little attention in policy debates.

From The Daily Beast

Anyone who tries to draw attention to threats instead of quietly burying them is worsening the problem.

From The Daily Beast

In an effort to gain early attention, he focused his attention on the Iowa precinct caucuses, which had never mattered much.

From The Daily Beast

This attracted much attention, and the London journals praised the artist.

From Project Gutenberg

His parents were peasants and he wrought as a day laborer till he attracted attention.

From Project Gutenberg

The little crowd and the boats on the beach were right under them and no one paid any attention or seemed to be in a hurry.

From Project Gutenberg

The card table profitably occupies some six to eight hours daily of these old fellows' attention.

From Project Gutenberg

Claude de Vert died; he devoted much attention to the ceremonies of the church of Rome, of which he wrote a history.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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