attention

[uh-ten-shuhn, uh-ten-shuhn]

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).

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

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

Other Word Forms

• attentional adjective
• overattention 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

The Federal Reserve pays close attention to the report when it considers decisions on interest rates.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

His experience with students at Hadley Hall inspired Brown, who died Aug. 18 at the age of 83, to focus his career on ADHD, just as it was beginning to gain public attention.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The fish proceeds to carry out an ostentatious dance, flashing her scales in the hopes of attracting the poet’s attention and inspiring him to write about her.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

In response R360 said it would "greatly reduce player load and capture the attention of a new generation of fans globally".

Read more on BBC

Gisèle Pelicot's decision to open up the original trial to the public and the media attracted worldwide attention on her story - but as soon as the verdicts came in she retreated back to private life.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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