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

As a mom of three daughters, any trending term that has to do with girls gets my attention immediately. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 9 Apr. 2024

Galaxy’s Edge through the duration of the event, as well as the return of Space Mountain overlay Hyperspace Mountain and a new free scavenger hunt that aims to get players to pay close attention to the minute details of Galaxy’s Edge. —Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2024

The music industry decided 2024 was going to be a big year for music and fans are paying attention. —Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 9 Apr. 2024

So you're drawn into this fiefdom, and then the next step for Zuckerberg was to draw into the same fiefdom publishers and advertisers in order to sell them the attention of users. —Morgan Meaker, WIRED, 9 Apr. 2024

Get medical attention right away if any of these symptoms occur. —Selene Yeager, Health, 8 Apr. 2024

The videos serve mostly to draw attention to their content — and to help promote the idea that their financial advice, in general, will lead to riches. —Julie Zauzmer Weil, Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2024

Distraction: With a large following comes a lot of attention. —Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 8 Apr. 2024

The Aries solar eclipse turns your attention to a new passion pursuit. —USA TODAY, 8 Apr. 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

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

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