the act or faculty of attending, especially by directing the mind to an object.
Psychology.
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.
a state of consciousness characterized by such concentration.
a capacity to maintain selective or sustained concentration.
observant care; consideration: Individual attention is given to each child.
civility or courtesy: attention to a guest.
notice or awareness: His deliberate cough caught the waiter's attention.
attentions,acts of courtesy or devotion indicating affection, as in courtship.
Military. an erect position with eyes to the front, arms to the sides, and heels together (often used as a command).
Origin of attention
1325–75; Middle English attencioun<Latin attentiōn- (stem of attentiō). See attent, -ion
We know more than ever about attention span and engagement, or the connection between socio-emotional development and academic outcomes.
Why hasn’t digital learning lived up to its promise?|Walter Thompson|September 17, 2020|TechCrunch
A lack of institutional leadership also means there aren’t many prominent people or groups showing up to nudge politicians to pay attention to their issues.
More And More Americans Aren’t Religious. Why Are Democrats Ignoring These Voters?|Daniel Cox|September 17, 2020|FiveThirtyEight
The QAnon conspiracy theory, which originated online three years ago, has gained more attention this year.
Trump contradicts CDC director on vaccine; Biden says Americans shouldn’t trust Trump|Colby Itkowitz, Felicia Sonmez, John Wagner|September 16, 2020|Washington Post
With no iPhone to soak up all the attention this year, the two new models—the premium Apple Watch Series 6 and the lesser Apple SE—shone.
Why I’m caving and finally buying an Apple Watch|rhhackettfortune|September 16, 2020|Fortune
While this campaign is mostly geared toward informing Instagram users, Steyer said he also hopes the celebrity messages will garner the attention of advertisers.
Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, and Leonardo DiCaprio plan one-day Instagram boycott. Here’s why|Danielle Abril|September 15, 2020|Fortune
One witness said the gunfire began after a traffic collision, which drew the attention of a nearby police officer.
France Mourns—and Hunts|Nico Hines, Christopher Dickey|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
First, they allow Paul to siphon off attention from whichever potential candidate is making news.
In an effort to gain early attention, he focused his attention on the Iowa precinct caucuses, which had never mattered much.
The World’s Toughest Political Quiz|Jeff Greenfield|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“ADD [Attention Deficit Disorder] is just a euphemistic way of saying, ‘I have limits,’” Brown writes.
Can Self-Help Books Really Make a New You?|Lizzie Crocker|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Exactly why is unclear; their previous hacks seem to have just been for the Lulz (laughs in Internet-speak) and the attention.
The Attack on the Hidden Internet|Marc Rogers|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I heard about the 40 acres of land and a mule the ex-slaves would get after the war, but I didn't pay any attention to it.
Slave Narratives Vol. XIV. South Carolina, Part 1|Various
The boys had become so interested in bringing down the wolf that they had paid no attention to what was taking place overhead.
The Rover Boys at Big Horn Ranch|Edward Stratemeyer
Insensibly, therefore, her attention became earnest, her mind aroused.
Lucretia, Complete|Edward Bulwer-Lytton
He turned his attention to Pomerania, though the injuries his health had suffered drove him to take the waters at Carlsbad.
The World's Greatest Books, Vol XII.|Arthur Mee
He had merely called that gentleman's attention to the very serious allegations laid at his door, and this was true.
A Wounded Name|Charles King
British Dictionary definitions for attention
attention
/ (əˈtɛnʃən) /
noun
concentrated direction of the mind, esp to a problem or task
consideration, notice, or observationa new matter has come to our attention
detailed care or special treatmentto pay attention to one's appearance
(usually plural)an act of consideration, courtesy, or gallantry indicating affection or loveattentions given to a lover
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
psycholthe act of concentrating on any one of a set of objects or thoughtsSee also selective attention
sentence substitute
the order to be alert or to adopt a position of formal military alertness
Word Origin for attention
C14: from Latin attentiō, from attendere to apply the mind to; see attend