attention
uh-TEHN-shn
Attention (noun) means the mental effort or focus given to something. Example: “Pay attention, this part is important.”
noun
1
The mental effort or focus given to something.
"Pay attention, this part is important."
"The baby needed all her attention, so she ignored the ringing phone."
"He drew the waiter's attention by raising one hand."
2
Special care, notice, or romantic interest shown toward someone.
"He showered her with attention all evening."
"The puppy loved the attention the visiting children gave it."
"Her injured knee needed medical attention straight away."
3
A formal, alert standing posture used especially by soldiers.
"The recruits snapped to attention as the sergeant entered."
"The guard stood to attention while the officer inspected the line."
"At the command, the whole row of cadets came to attention."
intj
1
Used to call for silence or focus before an announcement.
"Attention, please: the library will close in ten minutes."
"Attention, everyone! The winners of the quiz will be announced shortly."
"Attention, passengers: the train will depart in five minutes."
How to use attention
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFocused mental effort, notice, or care directed at something or someone.
Common pairings
pay attention
draw attention to
stand at attention
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Word forms
- Plural
- attentions
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Pay _____, this part is important.
Etymology
From Latin attentio, from attendere ("to stretch toward, pay heed") — the same root as attend.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for attention
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for attention →
Frequently asked questions
What does “attention” mean?
The word “attention” means the mental effort or focus given to something. In plain terms, focused mental effort, notice, or care directed at something or someone.
How do you pronounce “attention”?
“Attention” is pronounced uh-TEHN-shn (/əˈtɛn.ʃn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “attention” in a sentence?
Here is “attention” used in a sentence: “Pay attention, this part is important.”
What is another word for “attention”?
Words with a similar meaning to “attention” include advertence, advertency, consideration, heed, heedfulness and mark.
What is the opposite of “attention”?
The opposite of “attention” — its antonyms — are apathy, inattention, neglect and oversight.
What part of speech is “attention”?
Depending on how it is used, “attention” can be a noun and an intj.
Where does the word “attention” come from?
The word “attention” comes from Latin. From Latin attentio, from attendere ("to stretch toward, pay heed") — the same root as attend.
Is “attention” a common word?
“Attention” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between attention and concentration?
Attention is the mental focus you give to something — noticing it and directing your mind toward it. Concentration is sustained, intense attention held on one thing over time, often while shutting out distractions. In other words, attention can be brief or wandering, while concentration means keeping that focus deliberately and steadily.
Can attention be improved?
Yes. Attention works somewhat like a skill and can be strengthened with practice. Techniques such as mindfulness, removing distractions, breaking work into focused blocks, and getting enough sleep all help. Regularly training your focus — for instance by reading or meditating — can gradually improve how long and how well you concentrate.
What are the types of attention?
Psychologists describe several kinds. Sustained attention is staying focused on one task over time. Selective attention is concentrating on one thing while ignoring distractions. Divided attention is splitting focus between tasks, as in multitasking. Alternating attention is switching back and forth between activities that need different kinds of thinking.
Why is attention important?
Attention is the gateway to almost everything the mind does. What you pay attention to is what you learn, remember, and understand, so focus shapes how well you study, work, and make decisions. Without it, information passes by unprocessed. In a world full of distractions, managing attention has become especially valuable.
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