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.

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Recent Examples on the Web

The 2014 trial attracted global attention as the details of Steenkamp’s death were beamed around the world. —Patrick Smith, NBC News, 24 Nov. 2023

The study guide caught the attention of the passenger in front of her, Leslie Johnson, who initiated a conversation. —Joanne Fowler, Peoplemag, 23 Nov. 2023

That’s where the other drivers, who are also moving slowly and paying attention, get the shooting. —Scott Bestul, Field & Stream, 22 Nov. 2023

Hand has been on a whirlwind campaign in Ireland, the U.K. and the U.S. to keep global attention focused on the hostages, meeting with media outlets and politicians. —Chao Deng, WSJ, 22 Nov. 2023

This deluxe material can frame a beautiful setting outside or draw attention to a striking window style. —Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Nov. 2023

Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Google Podcasts Episode 1: The Egregious Video A video of little kids fighting in Rutherford County, Tennessee, comes to the attention of a local police officer. —ProPublica, 22 Nov. 2023

But, Dietz claims, the lawsuit is a small way of drawing attention to the state of crypto, which has been blighted by a series of legal battles, many of which boil down to an abuse of power or position. —Joel Khalili, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2023

Katy Perry sure knows how to get shoppers' attention! —Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 11 Nov. 2023

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

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

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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