attention

play

noun at·ten·tion \ ə-ˈten(t)-shən ; sense 4 often (ə-)ˌten(ch)-ˈhət \

Definition of attention

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

{psl}US{/psl} The troops stood at attention. = {psl}British{/psl} The troops stood to attention.

—often used as a command

—

attentional

play \-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)nəl\ adjective

See attention defined for English-language learners

See attention defined for kids

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 of attention from the Web

Though international attention falls on them from time to time, the Rohingya remain bureaucratically stateless, persecuted at home and unloved abroad.

— ishaan tharoor, Washington Post, "The world’s ‘most friendless people’ are under assault yet again," 31 Aug. 2017
Inslee also called attention to college students who might lose financial aid.

— nina shapiro, The Seattle Times, "Inslee vows to fight for Dreamers as Trump decision looms," 30 Aug. 2017
Beth Warren/Courier-Journal/USA TODAY Network Mötley Crüe's Nikki Sixx's attention this week is focused on Louisville — and his mission to shed light on recovering from drug addiction.

— The Courier-Journal, "Mötley Crüe's Nikki Sixx to interview CJ reporter and former heroin dealer she profiled," 30 Aug. 2017
Wide receivers coach Kodi Burns has been particularly impressed with Davis' attention to detail, noting how that particular trait has benefitted the receiver over the last three-plus months.

— tom green, AL.com, "Auburn 'looking for big things' out of receiver Kyle Davis this season," 30 Aug. 2017
However, some other folks seem to have a more cynical viewpoint, accusing Jake of simply trying to get attention or more clicks.

— de elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "Jake Paul Announces Plan to Help Victims of Tropical Storm Harvey," 30 Aug. 2017
A strong nucleus of juniors and seniors will help make Bel Air girls soccer worthy of some attention within the state.

— randy mcroberts, The Aegis, "2017 girls soccer preview," 30 Aug. 2017
Even as Mr. Trump visited Corpus Christi, attention was focused on the growing catastrophe gripping suburban Houston, a sprawling, low-lying metropolitan area with a population of 6.3 million 220 miles to the northeast.

— glenn thrush, New York Times, "Trump, in Texas, Calls Harvey Recovery Response Effort a ‘Real Team’," 29 Aug. 2017
Her baseball IQ is evident along with her attention to detail.

— scott springer, Cincinnati.com, "Clermont Northeastern lefty named to USA Baseball Development Team," 29 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'attention.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of attention

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

attention Synonyms

Synonyms

absorption, concentration, engrossment, enthrallment, immersion

Antonyms

inattention

Related Words

fixation, obsession, preoccupation; alertness, application, awareness, consciousness, consideration, heedfulness, intentness, raptness, regard; contemplation, meditation, musing, pondering, rumination

Near Antonyms

absence, absentmindedness, abstractedness, abstraction, detachment, distraction, obliviousness, remoteness, unawareness, unconsciousness, withdrawal; disinterest, indifference, mindlessness, unconcern; befuddlement, bemusement, bewilderment, confusion

ATTENTION Defined for English Language Learners

attention

play

noun

Definition of attention for English Language Learners

: the act or power of carefully thinking about, listening to, or watching someone or something
: notice, interest, or awareness
: special care or treatment

ATTENTION Defined for Kids

attention

play

noun at·ten·tion \ ə-ˈten-shən \

Definition of attention for Students

1 :the act or the power of fixing the mind on something :careful listening or watching

Pay attention to what happens next.

2 :notice, interest, or awareness

attract attention

3 :careful thinking about something so as to be able to take action on it

This matter requires immediate attention.

4 :special care or treatment

His scrape did not require medical attention.

5 :an act of kindness or politeness

His hospitable attentions were brief … being confined to a shake of a hand …
—Washington Irving, “Sleepy Hollow”

6 :the way a soldier stands with the body stiff and straight, heels together, and arms at the sides

Medical Dictionary

attention

play

noun at·ten·tion \ ə-ˈten-chən \

medical Definition of attention

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

—