attention

at·ten·tion

Use attention in a sentence

noun

Attention is defined as the act of concentrating and keeping one's mind focused on something.

A student seriously focusing on her teacher's lecture is an example of someone in a state of attention.

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"attention." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 20 October 2018. <http://www.yourdictionary.com/Attention>.

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attention. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20th, 2018, from http://www.yourdictionary.com/Attention

attention

1. the act of keeping one's mind closely on something or the ability to do this; mental concentration
2. mental readiness for such concentration
notice or observation: her smile caught my attention
care or consideration: the matter will receive his immediate attention
1. thoughtful consideration for others
2. [pl.] acts of consideration, courtesy, or devotion: a suitor's attentions to a woman
Mil.
1. the erect, motionless posture of soldiers in readiness for another command
2. a command to assume this posture

Origin of attention

Classical Latin attentio from past participle of attendere: see attend

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MLA Style

"attention." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 20 October 2018. <http://www.yourdictionary.com/Attention>.

APA Style

attention. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20th, 2018, from http://www.yourdictionary.com/Attention

attention

noun

a. The act of close or careful observing or listening: You'll learn more if you pay attention in class.
b. The ability or power to keep the mind on something; the ability to concentrate: We turned our attention to the poem's last stanza.
c. Notice or observation: The billboard caught our attention.
The act of dealing with something or someone; treatment: This injury requires immediate medical attention.
attentions
a. Acts of interest or interference: “men who wanted … freedom from censorship and the attentions of the police” ( John Kenneth Galbraith )
b. Acts of consideration or courtesy, especially in an effort to win someone's affection or gain sexual favors: “She was almost giddy with disbelief at the unexpected attentions of a handsome, well-spoken, obviously professional man” ( Rob Kantner )
A military posture, with the body erect, eyes to the front, arms at the sides, and heels together.

interjection

Used as a command to assume an erect military posture.

Origin of attention

Middle English attencioun from Latin attentiō attentiōn- from attentus past participle of attendere to heed ; see attend .

Related Forms:

at·ten′tion·al
adjective

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"attention." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 20 October 2018. <http://www.yourdictionary.com/Attention>.

APA Style

attention. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20th, 2018, from http://www.yourdictionary.com/Attention

Noun

(usually uncountable, plural attentions)

(uncountable) Mental focus.
Please direct your attention to the following words.
(countable) An action or remark expressing concern for or interest in someone or something, especially romantic interest.
(uncountable, military) A state of alertness in the standing position.
The company will now come to attention.