attention

at-ten-tion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The act of focusing the mind on something.

  2. 2.

    Notice or observation.

  3. 3.

    Special care or consideration.

  4. 4.

    [plural]Actions intended to show interest, especially romantic.

  5. 5.

    [military]A command to assume an erect stance with feet together.

Forms

plural: attentions

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    pay attention — Focus; concentrate.
  • •
    draw/attract attention — Make people notice.
  • •
    attention to detail — Careful consideration of small things.
  • •
    center of attention — The focus of everyone's interest.
  • •
    come to attention — Be noticed; assume military stance.
  • •
    attention span — Length of time one can concentrate.
  • •
    for the attention of — Addressed to a specific person.
  • •
    turn one's attention to — Begin to consider.

Related words

Antonyms: distraction, inattention, neglect
See also: attend, concentration, focus, notice
Synonyms: concentration, focus, heed, notice

Etymology

From Latin attentio ("attention, attentiveness"), from attendere ("to stretch toward, give heed to"), from ad- ("to") + tendere ("to stretch").