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

So I don’t think we’ll turn back in terms of the attention, but I think now it will continue on a trajectory going forward.

From Los Angeles Times

Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show signs of methanol poisoning.

From BBC

“And weird that you’re friends with your ex. Why do you need so much male attention? It’s a huge red flag. I mean, haven’t you seen ‘When Harry Met Sally’?

From Los Angeles Times

The center of attention is light as a hinge between new science and old religion — Christian, Jewish and Muslim — as manifest in around 100 Medieval art objects made in Western Europe.

From Los Angeles Times

All started their college careers as overlooked prospects, and they attended small schools before transferring to Power Five programs and catching the attention of Rams scouts and general manager Les Snead.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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