attention

[ noun uh-ten-shuhn; interjection uh-ten-shuhn ]

/ noun əˈtɛn ʃən; interjection əˌtɛnˈʃʌn /

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noun

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

Psychology.

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.
a state of consciousness characterized by such concentration.
a capacity to maintain selective or sustained concentration.

observant care; consideration: Individual attention is given to each child.

civility or courtesy: attention to a guest.

notice or awareness: His deliberate cough caught the waiter's attention.

attentions, acts of courtesy or devotion indicating affection, as in courtship.

Military. an erect position with eyes to the front, arms to the sides, and heels together (often used as a command).

Nearby words

Origin of attention

1325–75; Middle English attencioun < Latin attentiōn- (stem of attentiō). See attent, -ion

SYNONYMS FOR attention

1 awareness, consciousness, watchfulness, alertness, mindfulness, heed.

4 deference, politeness, regard; respect, homage.

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Related formsat·ten·tion·al, adjectiveo·ver·at·ten·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for attention

One witness said the gunfire began after a traffic collision, which drew the attention of a nearby police officer.
France Mourns—and Hunts|Nico Hines, Christopher Dickey|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
First, they allow Paul to siphon off attention from whichever potential candidate is making news.
Rand Paul’s Passive-Aggressive Trolling Campaign|Olivia Nuzzi|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In an effort to gain early attention, he focused his attention on the Iowa precinct caucuses, which had never mattered much.
The World’s Toughest Political Quiz|Jeff Greenfield|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“ADD [Attention Deficit Disorder] is just a euphemistic way of saying, ‘I have limits,’” Brown writes.
Can Self-Help Books Really Make a New You?|Lizzie Crocker|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Exactly why is unclear; their previous hacks seem to have just been for the Lulz (laughs in Internet-speak) and the attention.
The Attack on the Hidden Internet|Marc Rogers|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I heard about the 40 acres of land and a mule the ex-slaves would get after the war, but I didn't pay any attention to it.
Slave Narratives Vol. XIV. South Carolina, Part 1|Various
The boys had become so interested in bringing down the wolf that they had paid no attention to what was taking place overhead.
The Rover Boys at Big Horn Ranch|Edward Stratemeyer
Insensibly, therefore, her attention became earnest, her mind aroused.
Lucretia, Complete|Edward Bulwer-Lytton
He turned his attention to Pomerania, though the injuries his health had suffered drove him to take the waters at Carlsbad.
The World's Greatest Books, Vol XII.|Arthur Mee
He had merely called that gentleman's attention to the very serious allegations laid at his door, and this was true.
A Wounded Name|Charles King

British Dictionary definitions for attention

attention

/ (əˈtɛnʃən) /

noun

concentrated direction of the mind, esp to a problem or task

consideration, notice, or observationa new matter has come to our attention

detailed care or special treatmentto pay attention to one's appearance

(usually plural) an act of consideration, courtesy, or gallantry indicating affection or loveattentions given to a lover

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

psychol the act of concentrating on any one of a set of objects or thoughtsSee also selective attention

sentence substitute

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

Word Origin for attention

C14: from Latin attentiō, from attendere to apply the mind to; see attend

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for attention

attention

late 14c., "giving heed," from Latin attentionem (nominative attentio) "attention, attentiveness," noun of action from past participle stem of attendere "mental heeding" (see attend). Used with a remarkable diversity of verbs (e.g. pay, gather, attract, draw, call). As a military cautionary word preparative to giving a command, it is attested from 1792.

Idioms and Phrases with attention

attention

see pay attention.

attention

noun

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Nearby words

Origin of attention

Examples from the Web for attention

British Dictionary definitions for attention

attention

noun

sentence substitute

Word Origin for attention

Word Origin and History for attention

attention

Idioms and Phrases with attention

attention