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 attention to detail and the creative element and everything that is going on with those old Disney rides is still, to this day, second to none.”

From Los Angeles Times

Taken together, it's the kind of drumbeat of attention that has helped the story break into the larger public's awareness.

From BBC

It’s his standard cliffhanger — just stay tuned and thank you for your attention to the matter.

From Salon

Prof Bob Harris, a historian and 18th Century specialist at the University of Oxford, says he can understand why the period caught Bowie's attention.

From BBC

I had sent him my demo of “La Patrulla” before, but at first, he didn’t pay that much attention to it.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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