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View synonyms for

attention

[ noun uh-ten-shuhn; interjection uh-ten-shuhn ]

noun

  1. the act or faculty of attending, especially by directing the mind to an object.

    Synonyms: , , , , ,

  2. Psychology.
    1. a concentration of the mind on a single object or thought, especially one preferentially selected from a complex, with a view to limiting or clarifying receptivity by narrowing the range of stimuli.
    2. a state of consciousness characterized by such concentration.
    3. a capacity to maintain selective or sustained concentration.
  3. observant care; consideration:

    Individual attention is given to each child.

  4. civility or courtesy:

    attention to a guest.

    Synonyms: , , , ,

  5. notice or awareness:

    His deliberate cough caught the waiter's attention.

  6. attentions, acts of courtesy or devotion indicating affection, as in courtship.
  7. Military. an erect position with eyes to the front, arms to the sides, and heels together (often used as a command).


attention

/ əˈɛʃə /

noun

  1. concentrated direction of the mind, esp to a problem or task
  2. consideration, notice, or observation

    a new matter has come to our attention

  3. detailed care or special treatment

    to pay attention to one's appearance

  4. usually plural an act of consideration, courtesy, or gallantry indicating affection or love

    attentions given to a lover

  5. the motionless position of formal military alertness, esp in drill when an upright position is assumed with legs and heels together, arms to the sides, head and eyes facing to the front
  6. psychol the act of concentrating on any one of a set of objects or thoughts See also selective attention
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

sentence substitute

  1. the order to be alert or to adopt a position of formal military alertness
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • ·ٱtDz· adjective
  • v··ٱtDz noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of attention1

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English attencioun, from Latin ٳٱԳپō-, stem of ٳٱԳپō; attent -ion
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Word History and Origins

Origin of attention1

C14: from Latin ٳٱԳپō, from attendere to apply the mind to; see attend
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Idioms and Phrases

see pay attention .
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

caught my attention wasn't so much the body language or the greetings - it was the table.

From

But he also welcomed more research into the causes of autism and said increased attention is a "meaningful opportunity".

From

"Whereas one salon customer needs attention from the receptionist, the apprentice for hair-washing, and the stylist in that same hour and we can only claim VAT back on a tube of hair colour."

From

But he wrote about the case Tuesday on the Just Security site to draw attention to the significant constitutional issue.

From

The males’ showiness might help attract females, but their displays can draw the attention of cats, birds and other potential predators.

From

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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