attention

noun

at·​ten·​tion ə-ˈten(t)-shən 

 sense 4 often  (ə-)ˌten(ch)-ˈhət

1

a

: the act or state of applying the mind to something

Our attention was on the game.

You should pay attention to what she says.

b

: a condition of readiness for such attention involving especially a selective narrowing or focusing of consciousness and receptivity

Students, do I have your attention?

2

: observation, notice

especially : consideration with a view to action

a problem requiring prompt attention

3

a

: an act of civility or courtesy especially in courtship

She welcomed his attentions.

b

: sympathetic consideration of the needs and wants of others : attentiveness

She lavished attention on her children.

4

: a position assumed by a soldier with heels together, body erect, arms at the sides, and eyes to the front

(US) The troops stood at attention. = (British) The troops stood to attention.

—often used as a command

attentional

ə-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• absorption
• concentration
• engrossment
• enthrallment
• immersion

Examples of attention in a Sentence

We focused our attention on this particular poem.

My attention wasn't really on the game.

You need to pay more attention in school.

She likes all the attention she is getting from the media.

The actor avoids drawing attention to himself.

The book has received national attention.

The trial is getting a lot of public attention.

The children were competing for the teacher's attention.

A cat on a leash is sure to attract attention.

I would like to call your attention to a problem we are having.

Recent Examples on the Web

Born as Yolande Cornelia Giovanni, Jr. June 7, 1943 in Knoxville, Giovanni was a prolific and well-regarded poet who initially gained attention in the late 1960s as part of the Black Arts Movement after graduating from Nashville’s Fisk University. —Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 10 Dec. 2024

Trump’s recent threat to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada got the immediate attention of Ottawa. —Matt Egan, CNN, 10 Dec. 2024

Dressed in tuxedos, the duo confidently struts through the venue, catching the attention of the legendary figures Sinatra and Davis. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 Dec. 2024

The 2010 halt of China's rare earths trade with Japan began focusing Washington's attention on the threat posed by China's increasing control. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English attencioun, from Latin attention-, attentio, from attendere — see attend

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing attention

• at attention
• attention deficit disorder
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• attention line
• attention span
• attract/get someone's attention
• bring the matter to someone's attention
• bring to someone's attention
• center of attention
• come to someone's attention
• divert/distract attention
• escape one's attention
• fastidious attention to detail
• grab/catch one's attention
• keeps/holds one's attention
• not pay any attention to
• pay attention
• pay attention to
• pay no attention to
• snap to attention
• stand at attention
• stand to attention
• the center of attention
• to attention
• undivided/full/complete attention

Kids Definition

attention

noun

at·​ten·​tion ə-ˈten-chən 

1

: the act or power of fixing one's mind upon something : careful listening or watching

pay attention

2

a

: a state of being aware : awareness, notice

attract attention

b

: consideration with the idea of taking action

a problem that needs prompt attention

3

: an act of kindness, care, or courtesy

4

: a posture taken by a soldier with the body stiff and straight, heels together, and arms at the sides

Medical Definition

attention

noun

at·​ten·​tion ə-ˈten-chən 

1

: the act or state of attending : the application of the mind to any object of sense or thought

2

a

: an organismic condition of selective awareness or perceptual receptivity

specifically : the complex of neuromuscular adjustments that permit maximum excitability or responsiveness to a given class of stimuli

b

: the process of focusing consciousness to produce greater vividness and clarity of certain of its contents relative to others

attentional

-ˈtench-nəl, -ˈten-chən-ᵊl 

adjective