attention

American  

[uh-ten-shuhn, uh-ten-shuhn] / əˈtɛn ʃən, əˌtɛnˈʃʌn /

noun

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

   Synonyms:

   heed, mindfulness, alertness, watchfulness, consciousness, awareness

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:

   homage, respect, regard, politeness, 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).

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attention British  

/ 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

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

attention Idioms  

1. see pay attention.

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Other Word Forms

• attentional adjective
• overattention noun

Etymology

Origin of attention

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

Example Sentences

"These games are particularly suitable for people with low energy, and they're really effective in absorbing attention," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Since her first high-fashion campaign for Gucci at 15, the now 20-year-old music artist and model demands attention and has the talent to back it up.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Now, oil markets have drawn the attention of meme traders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

While the imminent SpaceX initial public offering is commanding plenty of attention right now, there are already ways to get in on the space boom beyond public satellite and launch plays, according to analysts.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

We liked it that way, and as Papi had often said, in those times it was safer that way too—always best not to draw attention to ourselves.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo

Related Words

• consideration
• debate
• mind
• scrutiny
• thinking
• thought