attention
Pluralattentions (some meanings)
Pluralattentions (some meanings)
- 1The act of focusing your mind on one thing.
Like a light you shine on just one thing at a time.
Please pay attention to the teacher.
The movie held my attention from start to finish.
UsageSay pay attention to something. A thing can catch or hold your attention.
Oppositeinattention, distraction, disregard
- 2Care that a person or thing needs, like a doctor's help or fixing something that is broken.
The injured man needed medical attention right away.
Our old car needs some attention from a mechanic before the long trip.
UsageSay something needs attention or someone gets medical attention.
Oppositeneglect
- 3A caring act or word that shows you like or care about someone.
Like small gifts that show someone is thinking about you.
He showered her with little attentions, like flowers and notes.
She was flattered by his attention, but she didn't feel the same way.
UsageOften attentions, with -s, for kind or loving acts, as in unwanted attentions.
Similaradvances, interest, overtures, courtship
Note
Less common meanings
- 4Said to make people stop and listen to what comes next.
Like ringing a bell to get everyone to look up.
Attention, everyone! The show is about to begin.
Attention, please. The train will depart in five minutes.
UsageSay Attention, please or Attention, everyone.
- 5A straight, still standing position used by soldiers.
The soldiers stood at attention as the flag was raised.
He snapped to attention when the general walked in.
UsageSay stand at attention and come to attention.
Oppositeease
Note
- 6A command telling soldiers to stand straight and still.
Like a coach blowing a whistle to make players line up.
The sergeant shouted "Attention!" and the soldiers stood up straight.
The sergeant shouted, "Attention!" and the soldiers stood perfectly still.
Note
- 7A method that helps a computer decide which parts of the input matter most.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
It came from Latin, from a verb meaning "to attend" or "give heed to." It is related to the word "attend."
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 4 facts
- Attention came from Latin. en.wiktionary.org
- Its Latin source derives from a verb meaning to attend or give heed to. en.wiktionary.org
- The source verb means to attend or give heed to. en.wiktionary.org
- Attention is etymologically related to attend. en.wiktionary.org