attention
[noun uh-ten-shuh n; interjection uh-ten-shuhn]
- 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).
Show More
Origin of attention
Synonyms
See more synonyms for attention on Thesaurus.com1. awareness, consciousness, watchfulness, alertness, mindfulness, heed. 4. deference, politeness, regard; respect, homage.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for attention
Contemporary Examples
One witness said the gunfire began after a traffic collision, which drew the attention of a nearby police officer.
First, they allow Paul to siphon off attention from whichever potential candidate is making news.
In an effort to gain early attention, he focused his attention on the Iowa precinct caucuses, which had never mattered much.
“ADD [Attention Deficit Disorder] is just a euphemistic way of saying, ‘I have limits,’” Brown writes.
Exactly why is unclear; their previous hacks seem to have just been for the Lulz (laughs in Internet-speak) and the attention.
Historical Examples
Another subject attracted her attention and occupied some share of her thoughts.
PhilotheaLydia Maria Child
Mrs. Rushton was pleased with this mark of attention, and after a slight demur, accepted.
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
Harbour improvements have occupied much of the attention of Government.
Explorations in AustraliaJohn Forrest
And, if we do, it is doubtful if we can attract their attention.
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
Stepping into the store, he attracted the attention of the proprietor.
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
attention
- 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
Show More
- the order to be alert or to adopt a position of formal military alertness
Show More
Word Origin
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
n.
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.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Idioms and Phrases with attention
attention
see pay attention.
Show More
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.