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attention

 - 4 dictionary results

at⋅ten⋅tion

  [n. uh-ten-shuhn; interj. uh-ten-shuhn]
Use attention in a Sentence
–noun
1. the act or faculty of attending, esp. by directing the mind to an object.
2. Psychology.
a. a concentration of the mind on a single object or thought, esp. one preferentially selected from a complex, with a view to limiting or clarifying receptivity by narrowing the range of stimuli.
b. a state of consciousness characterized by such concentration.
c. a capacity to maintain selective or sustained concentration.
3. observant care; consideration: Individual attention is given to each child.
4. civility or courtesy: attention to a guest.
5. notice or awareness: His deliberate cough caught the waiter's attention.
6. attentions, acts of courtesy or devotion indicating affection, as in courtship.
7. Military. an erect position with eyes to the front, arms to the sides, and heels together (often used as a command).
Origin:
1325–75; ME attencioun < L attentiōn- (s. of attentiō). See attent, -ion

Related forms:
at⋅ten⋅tion⋅al, adjective

Synonyms:
1. awareness, consciousness, watchfulness, alertness, mindfulness, heed. 4. deference, politeness, regard; respect, homage.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To attention
at·ten·tion   (ə-těn'shən)   
n.  

  1. Concentration of the mental powers upon an object; a close or careful observing or listening.

  2. The ability or power to concentrate mentally.

  3. Observant consideration; notice: Your suggestion has come to our attention.

  4. Consideration or courtesy: attention to others' feelings.

  5. attentions Acts of courtesy, consideration, or gallantry, especially by a suitor.

  6. A military posture, with the body erect, eyes to the front, arms at the sides, and heels together.

interj.  Used as a command to assume an erect military posture.

[Middle English attencioun, from Latin attentiō, attentiōn-, from attentus, past participle of attendere, to heed; see attend.]
at·ten'tion·al adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: at·ten·tion
Pronunciation: &-'ten-ch&n
Function: noun
1 : the act or state of attending : the applicationof the mind to any object of sense or thought
2 a : an organismic condition of selective awareness or perceptual receptivity; specifically : the complex ofneuromuscular adjustments that permit maximum excitability or responsiveness to a given class of stimuli b : the process of focusing consciousness to produce greater vividness andclarity of certain of its contents relative to others —at·ten·tion·al /-'tench-n&l, -'ten-ch&n-&l/ adjective
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Idioms & Phrases

attention

see pay attention.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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