attention

American  

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

noun

attentions plural

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

Derived Forms

• overattention
  noun
• attentional
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• attentions
  plural

Etymology

Origin of attention

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

Explanation

"May I have your attention please?" When you ask that question, you are asking people to focus their mental powers on you. Whether they do or not depends on your next words. You'll have their full attention if you say, "Here's $100." The noun attention can also refer to an interest in something or someone. You probably pay attention in school when your teachers bring up topics in which you are personally interested. You can also shower attention on those you love or indulge. The word also refers to "standing at attention," as in the military — by standing up straight, arms down at the sides, and feet together.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

attention attentions

Gough first caught the public’s attention in 2019, when ahead of the resignation of Theresa May—the first in a long line of Downing Street departures—viewers noticed the buff man behind the mic.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

Though this correlation doesn’t amount to a guarantee, you should know that it is stronger statistically than many of the other indicators that get far more attention on Wall Street.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 28, 2026

"When you're diving, as long as the visibility is good, you can negotiate your way around a jellyfish relatively easily, if you know what way the current is flowing and you pay attention," he said.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

But try to direct their attention to the fact that you’re a real person with your own real experiences and knowledge.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026

"Don't pay attention to that. Don't be afraid, Sancho."

From "Adventures of Don Quixote" by Argentina Palacios

Many analysts wonder whether the AI-tied stocks can continue to monopolize investors’ attentions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 4, 2026

Perhaps a bigger question – do MPs actually want to focus their attentions on something else?

From BBC ● Apr. 24, 2026

Instead of courting major movie roles, the actor has instead focused his attentions on more independent projects while also building a family with Song, who he met in 2014.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 2, 2026

The City striker finally escape Mukiele's attentions, only to shoot straight at Sunderland keeper Robin Roefs after Phil Foden's pass found him 10 yards from goal.

From Barron's ● Jan. 1, 2026

The old Madame was charmed with Edna’s visit, and showered all manner of delicate attentions upon her.

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin

Related Words

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