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

However, as her acting career began to take off, Seyfried said the constant attention and “stress” caused her to compare herself to others around her, making her more anxious.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 2, 2026

“You recognize that everybody is watching and paying attention to what you’re doing, so that’s a little bit of a different energy, where you are always on in the role,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026

Romo added: “As I turn my attention to my health, my family, and, in time, my return to CBS, I kindly ask for privacy during this period.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2026

"This creates addictions and dependencies. It also leads to attention disorders," Macron told the pupils.

From Barron's ● Sep. 1, 2026

“Bigger than you even realize,” Sarah said, drawing their attention back to the service window.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

His attentions are solely on France's World Cup opener with Senegal on 16 June in New Jersey, with further Group I matches against Iraq and Erling Haaland's Norway to follow.

From BBC ● Jun. 9, 2026

As the Gunners' attentions turn to a Champions League semi-final against Lyon on Sunday, BBC Sport assesses why Kelly is not an automatic choice for either club or country.

From BBC ● Apr. 25, 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

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

Presently they sat down together by the door and the young dog patiently suffered the attentions of the other.

From "The Incredible Journey" by Sheila Burnford

Related Words

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