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

There have been recent incidents of privacy breaches that have caught national attention.

From BBC ● Sep. 5, 2026

The case captured national attention, sparking debate over women’s mental-health care and the limits of criminal responsibility.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 4, 2026

Gloria listened as much as she spoke, and with great attention and democracy.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 4, 2026

My sense is, given how much public attention that this case has gotten, they are going to retry her.

From Slate ● Sep. 4, 2026

Later, just before lunch, when it was time for social studies, Mrs. Tracy clasped her hands together and looked around to get everyone’s attention.

From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott

He launched an attempt to breed pandas in captivity but, to his despair, London's Chi Chi repeatedly spurned the attentions of Moscow's An An.

From BBC ● Apr. 20, 2026

Later he fastens his attentions on an unthreatening neighbor and his daughter, who has a crush on Frank.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 14, 2026

Instead of courting major movie roles, the actor has instead focused his attentions on more independent projects while also building a family with Song, whom he met in 2014.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 20, 2026

Before attentions turn to the crunch match against Utrecht, Celtic must rest weary legs for Sunday's trip to Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.

From BBC ● Jan. 22, 2026

“Flay,” I whispered, but they would not; their attentions were absorbed in my endeavor, as if they knew what was to come, and wished particularly to witness it.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson

Related Words

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