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

Quarterback Matthew Stafford said that the Vikings were receiving the Rams’ full attention while the Rams were at the team’s facility in Woodland Hills. —Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025

This development warrants attention for four reasons. —Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

My greatest gift was being able to pay attention and watch people and figure it out. —Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 9 Jan. 2025

While most of the attention will fall on what the president-elect is doing, some scrutiny may fall on Biden’s transition out of office, including on how his team handles classified documents. —Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Jan. 2025

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