attention Hear it!

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attention definition

at·ten·tion (ə ten′s̸hən)

noun

    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
  2. notice or observation her smile caught my attention
  3. care or consideration the matter will receive his immediate attention
    1. thoughtful consideration for others
    2. an act of consideration, courtesy, or devotion: usually used in pl. a suitor's attentions to a woman
  5. Mil.
    1. the erect, motionless posture of soldiers in readiness for another command
    2. a command to assume this posture

Etymology: L attentio < pp. of attendere: see attend

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

idioms attention idiom

attention Synonyms

attention

n.

  1. The state of giving heed

    observation, observance, regard, notice, mindfulness, inspection, study, heed, watching, listening, concentration, care, consideration.

    Antonyms indifference*, abstraction*, inattention. *

  2. The power of giving heed

    concentration, attentiveness, intentness, alertness, thought, application, assiduousness, diligence, caution, preoccupation, thoroughness, recognition, regard, vigilance, mindfulness, watchfulness, heedfulness, awareness, consciousness.

    Antonyms indifference*, inattentiveness, negligence. *

  3. Courtesies; usually plural

    respects, civilities, gestures, mannerliness, attentiveness, deference, offerings, consideration, kindnesses, politeness, obeisance, genuflections.

    Antonyms rudeness*, off-handedness, crudeness.

call attention to

point out, indicate, note, bring to one's notice; see designate 1, remind 2, warn.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

attention Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • draw: Recent events have drawn world attention to the topic.

Adjective modifier

  • particular: Pay particular attention focused on building games directly to.

Modifies a noun

  • deficit: This is Who for the attention deficit disorder generation.

Noun used with modifier

  • ones': It includes baby-safe mirrors that encourage self-discovery and bold colors and patterns proven to keep little ones' attention.
attention usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

attention quotes

   I think my grandmother actually smelled like a cookie and that's enough to get any child's attention.

-Bailey, F(rancis) Lee

Being a husband isawhole-timejob.That iswhysomany husbands fail. They cannot give their entire attention to it.

-Bennett, (Enoch) Arnold

A democracy must remain at home in all matters that affect the nature of her institutions. Theyare of a nature to call for the undivided attention and devotion of the entire nation.We do not want the racial antipathies or national antagonisms of the Old World transformed to this continentöas they will, should we becomea part of European politics. The people of this country are overwhelmingly for a policy of neutrality.

-Borah,William Edgar

attention quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"attention." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/attention>

APA Style

attention. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/attention

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