attention
/əˈtɛnʃ(ə)n
/noun [mass noun]
1Notice taken of someone or something; the regarding of someone or something as interesting or important: he drew attention to three spelling mistakes...
- He drew attention to three important interrelated factors which he regarded as peculiar to arbitration agreements.
- Is that the only passage in which the trial judge drew attention to his interest in the outcome of the proceedings?
- He also drew attention to the problem of the unacceptable level of absenteeism at the company's Carlow plant.
Synonyms
awareness, notice, observation, consciousness, heed, recognition, regard, scrutiny, surveillance, attentiveness;
curiosity, inquisitiveness
listen, be attentive, attend, concentrate on, concentrate on hearing, give ear to, lend an ear to;
hang on someone's words
1.1The mental faculty of considering or taking notice of someone or something: he turned his attention to the educational system...
- Not that such considerations made any difference when we turned our attention to the menu.
- Rafael glanced at her for a second then turned his attention to the road again.
- She merely dropped her smile, opened her folder and turned her attention to her schedule.
2The action of dealing with or taking special care of someone or something: her business needed her attention he was found guilty of failing to give a patient adequate medical attention...
- We help patients decide if a problem requires medical attention or even hospital care.
- Anyone with a medical problem will then be provided with a referral for appropriate medical care and attention.
- These patients require the same attention and care as those who meet all the criteria.
Synonyms
observation, attentiveness, intentness, notice, concentration, heed, heedfulness, mindfulness, regard, scrutiny;
contemplation, consideration, deliberation, thought, thinking, studying, investigation, action
care, treatment, therapy, ministration, succour, relief, support, aid, help, assistance, service
2.1 (attentions) Things done to express interest in or please someone: she felt flattered by his attentions...
- Obviously he was flattered at the attentions of such a young and attractive woman.
- It felt good to be out and about and she wouldn't deny that she was flattered by Ollie's attentions.
- Flattered by the attentions of the young lord, Antonello admits him to his studio.
Synonyms
courtesy, civility, politeness, respect, gallantry, urbanity, deference;
compliment, flattery, blandishment;
overture, suggestion, approach, suit, pass, wooing, courting
3 Military A position assumed by a soldier, standing very straight with the feet together and the arms straight down the sides of the body: Saunders stood stolidly to attention...
- Their eyes slowly roved over the group of soldiers standing at attention beyond the podium.
- When we arrived a soldier stood at attention and bowed when the prince entered.
- Two suits of armour stood to attention at the foot of a wide oak staircase.
3.1 [as exclamation] An order to assume a straight standing position.
Phrases
pay attention
Derivatives
attentional
- Recognition of the role of attentional processes in overcoming disorientation suggests two further mechanisms that might potentially link anxiety and dizziness.
- Neural growth results in improved attentional skills: adolescents can pay attention longer than children, and they can better ignore distractions.
- Therefore, when children have mastered automaticity of handwriting, more attentional capacity is available for comprehension and problem solving.
Origin
Late Middle English: from Latin attentio(n-), from the verb attendere (see attend).