SINCE 1828

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at attention

Definition of at attention

US

:in a position that shows careful listening or attention

The dog sat at attention, listening for something in the distance.

Word by Word Definitions

attention play

: the act or state of applying the mind to something
: a condition of readiness for such attention involving especially a selective narrowing or focusing of consciousness and receptivity
: observation, notice

See the full definition of attention

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up at attention? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

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WORD OF THE DAY

knee-jerk

play

readily predictable

Words at Play

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Learned Fools: On Names for Students

Why do we call students 'freshmen' and 'sophomores'?

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The Synonyms 'Discover' and 'Invent'

In the past, you could invent fruit.

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I'll Have the Us(ual)

Shortening 'usual': easy to say, hard to spell

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The Origins of 'Lobbyist'

From the front hallways to the back rooms

Ask the Editors

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Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Don't get us started on 'bimonthly'

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Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

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Weird Plurals

One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that?

Word Games

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The Exceptions Quiz III

Which of these things doesn't belong?

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Forms of Government Quiz

Name that government! Or something like that.

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True or False?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

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Citation

Do you know the person or title these quotes describe?

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