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

“However, volatility in external demand and the ongoing contraction in employment remain factors that warrant attention for the sector,” said Yao Yu, founder of RatingDog.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

“Fraud historically does not get the attention it deserves, so I’m glad to see a national spotlight on this pervasive problem,” Davis said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

The result is a deepening crisis of trust as hyper-realistic AI fabrications compete for attention with -- and often drown out -- authentic images and videos.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Just how important the delivery report is for Tesla’s stock price is debatable, since investors have focused attention on more ambitious goals.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

I never thought of them as counting, or paying much attention to each other.

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen

Related Words

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