attention
Americannoun
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the act or faculty of attending, especially by directing the mind to an object.
- Synonyms:
- heed, mindfulness, alertness, watchfulness, consciousness, awareness
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Psychology.
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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.
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a state of consciousness characterized by such concentration.
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a capacity to maintain selective or sustained concentration.
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observant care; consideration.
Individual attention is given to each child.
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civility or courtesy.
attention to a guest.
- Synonyms:
- homage, respect, regard, politeness, deference
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notice or awareness.
His deliberate cough caught the waiter's attention.
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attentions, acts of courtesy or devotion indicating affection, as in courtship.
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Military. an erect position with eyes to the front, arms to the sides, and heels together (often used as a command).
noun
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concentrated direction of the mind, esp to a problem or task
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consideration, notice, or observation
a new matter has come to our attention
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detailed care or special treatment
to pay attention to one's appearance
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(usually plural) an act of consideration, courtesy, or gallantry indicating affection or love
attentions given to a lover
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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
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psychol the act of concentrating on any one of a set of objects or thoughts See also selective attention
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of attention
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English attencioun, from Latin attentiōn-, stem of attentiō; see attent -ion
Explanation
"May I have your attention please?" When you ask that question, you are asking people to focus their mental powers on you. Whether they do or not depends on your next words. You'll have their full attention if you say, "Here's $100." The noun attention can also refer to an interest in something or someone. You probably pay attention in school when your teachers bring up topics in which you are personally interested. You can also shower attention on those you love or indulge. The word also refers to "standing at attention," as in the military — by standing up straight, arms down at the sides, and feet together.
Vocabulary lists containing attention
"Scary Tales," Vocabulary from the essay
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Lyons says she is "already engaging with" Ofcom - the UK watchdog for online safety - and policymakers, who "need to pay much closer attention".
From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026
A rare occurrence likes this tends to get attention, as similar decisions from major central banks within a short period can reverberate into markets.
From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026
Routine local engagements by the Fed’s regional presidents used to get little media attention, Bullard said, until the 2008-09 crisis sparked intense interest in all things Fed.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 15, 2026
Investors will also be paying close attention as the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate-setting committee meets this week.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 14, 2026
He catches my attention because he’s not shouting in anger or acting wild like the rest of his crew.
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
