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

The tragedy has prompted soul-searching in the world of TV news helicopter pilots and focused attention on safety issues.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026

There’s no better way to draw attention to an artist’s work than threatening to shut it down.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026

The dinner absence has revived a run of moments over the past two years that have drawn attention to Xi’s physical condition.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026

After a week in which countless female athletes denounced a controversial sports betting company advertisement featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, Ohanian said he wanted Friday's event to put the attention back on the "actual athletes".

From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2026

I prompted, desperate to take the attention off myself.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

As the World Cup approaches its end, attentions are turning towards the 2026-27 club season - and who could be on the move this summer.

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

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

While Washington's attentions have so far been devoted to oil, of which Venezuela has the world's largest proven reserves, Burgum noted that the South American country was "also rich in critical minerals."

From Barron's ● Mar. 4, 2026

At the time, I’d considered this route unworthy of my attentions.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

Related Words

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