Attention

Definition: Attention

Attention

Noun

1. The process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others.

2. The work of caring for or attending to someone or something; "no medical care was required"; "the old car needed constant attention".

3. A general interest that leads people to want to know more; "She was the center of attention".

4. A courteous act indicating affection; "she tried to win his heart with her many attentions".

5. The faculty or power of mental concentration; "keeping track of all the details requires your complete attention".

6. A motionless erect stance with arms at the sides and feet together; assumed by military personnel during drill or review; "the troops stood at attention".

Source: WordNet 1.7.1 Copyright © 2001 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
 

Date "attention" was first used in popular English literature: sometime before 1258. (references)

Etymology: Attention \At*ten"tion\, noun. [Latin expression attentio: compare to the French expression attention.]. (references)

Mechanical Engineering

Medicine

Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

Source: compiled by the editor, based on several corpora (additional references).

Synonyms: Attention

Care

Alertness; (activity); attention; prudence; circumspection; (caution); anxiety; forethought; precaution; (preparation); tidiness; (order), (cleanliness); accuracy; (exactness); minuteness, attention to detail.

Respect

Noun: respect, regard, consideration; courtesy; attention, deference, reverence, honor, esteem, estimation, veneration, admiration; approbation.

Crosswords: Attention

French (acuity, advertence, advertency, attention, attentiveness, care, carefulness, heed, look out, regard, remark, stand by, watch out).

I wasn't really paying attention. (Dumb and Dumber; writing credit: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly, and Bennett Yellin.)

Am I the only one who pays attention to the rules any more (The Big Lebowski; writing credit: Ethan Coen; Joel Coen)

You ruined a man's life's work and you think you can walk away? You got blinders on to the world! But I got your attention now didn't I (Speed; writing credit: Graham Yost)

Didn't Mommy and Daddy show you enough attention when you were a child (Full Metal Jacket; writing credit: Gustav Hasford; Michael Herr)

You weren't paying any attention! (Clerks.; writing credit: Kevin Smith)

I'd be happy just to get your attention. (Teen Angst (What The World Needs Now); performing artist: Cracker)

It's where it takes place so I'm a ask your attention (Nuthin But A "G" Thang; performing artist: Dr. Dre)

When I try to get your attention (Don't Think I'm Not; performing artist: Kandi)

But good don't get attention (Stole; performing artist: Kelly Rowland)

Pay attention to the magistrate (I'm Alright; performing artist: Kenny Loggins)

Flirtation: Attention without intention. (references; author: unknown)

Meticulous Attention To Detail: A nit picker. (references; author: unknown)

People want the front of the bus, back of the church, and center of attention. (references; author: unknown)

We could all take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism. (references; author: unknown)

All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism. (references; author: unknown)

Attention à la peinture (1898)

Short Attention Span Theater (1989)

Undivided Attention (1987)

Attention! Une femme peut en cacher une autre (1983)

Attention les yeux! (1976)

Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

References

• The Official Parent's Sourcebook on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (reference)

  (more reference examples)

Books

• Peterson's Colleges With Programs for Students With Learning Disabilities or Attention Deficit Disorders (Peterson's Colleges With Programs for studen (reference)

• Attention, Action, Absent-Minded Aberrations: A Behaviour-Economic Approach (European University Studies. Series Vi, Psychology, Vol 527) (reference)

• What Does Everybody Else Know That I Don'T?: Social Skills Help for Adults With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (Ad/Hd) a Reader-Friendly gu (reference)

• Add/Adhd Behavior-Change Resource Kit: Ready-To-Use Strategies & Activities for Helping Children With Attention Deficit Disorder (reference)

• How to Reach and Teach Add/Adhd Children: Practical Techniques, Strategies, and Interventions for Helping Children With Attention Problems and Hyper (reference)

  (more book examples)

Periodicals

• National Attention Deficit Disorder Association Membership (reference)

• Journal Of Attention Disorders (reference)

  (more periodical examples)

Theater & Movies

• Attention Shoppers (reference)

• "OUTSIDE IN"-A Look At Adults With Attention Deficit Disorder (reference)

  (more DVD examples; more video examples)

Music

• Attention (reference)

• Attention Butt Pirates & Lesbe [LIVE] (reference)

  (more classical music examples; more popular music examples)

Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

A bowl of berries is a treat for the eye as well as a delight for the palate. But these tasty little morsels happen to be quite tricky to grow, harvest, and handle. These crops tend to have brief growing seasons and are vulnerable to insects, disease, and even birds, so ARS scientists have given them lots of attention. P. Credit: USDA ARS News; photo by Scott Bauer..

Attention Floaters sign on the Madison. Credit: Merv Coleman.

Medical attention for the aging population ... / WHO p. Credit: National Library of Medicine; photo by Homer Page..

U.S. Army Evacuation Hospital No.21, Pusan, Korea : Patient receives personal attention as 100,000th to be admitted. Credit: National Library of Medicine.

"Vanguard of Fleet Honors War Dead.". "Veterans and sons of veterans stand at attention at Grant's Tomb as the U.S.S. Louisville fires a salute." (quoted from the original photo caption). These Memorial Day ceremonies took place in New York City, 31 May 1934. Credit: NAVY.

Poster from the "What the Navy is Doing" series, published by the Navy Recruiting Bureau, New York, circa 1919. Text below the pictures reads: "The above views were taken at one of our Naval Hospitals, which has adopted a method of keeping convalescent patients occupied and thus relieving the monotony of this inactive period. The men are taught to make various articles, such as rugs, leather purses and knotted belts. These articles are sold and the proceeds given to the men. Special attention is paid to those maimed during the war, who are being trained to care for themselves in spite of their injuries.". Credit: NAVY.

He never got over his first turn to attention when the bugle called. Credit: Library of Congress.

It was sure to attract attention and provoke envy and demand for one like it. Credit: Library of Congress.

Don't pay no attention to the nasty sneerin' little snipe, Henry! : it's three ... Credit: Library of Congress.

"The College Graduate" holding diploma standing next to soldier at attention with an angry eagle in Uncle Sam hat at the soldier's feet. Credit: Library of Congress.

Source: pictures compiled by the editor from various references; see picture credits.

Source: compiled by the editor from various references.

The Communists turn their attention chiefly to Germany, because that country is on the eve of a bourgeois revolution that is bound to be carried out under more advanced conditions of European civilisation, and with a much more developed proletariat, than that of England was in the seventeenth, and of France in the eighteenth century, and because the bourgeois revolution in Germany will be but the prelude to an immediately following proletarian revolution. (reference)

It is also declared to be the friendly right of each Member of the League to bring to the attention of the Assembly or of the Council any circumstance whatever affecting international relations which threatens to disturb international peace or the good understanding between nations upon which peace depends. (reference)

Last time I saw it all coming and cried aloud to my own fellow-countrymen and to the world, but no one paid any attention. ("Iron Curtain" Speech)

Source: compiled by the editor from various references.

But if you want to shew him any attention, my dear, ask him to come and dine with us some day.

Thank you very much for your kind attention.

But the object that most drew my attention, in the mysterious package, was a certain affair of fine red cloth, much worn and faded

Jean Valjean had left the garden uncultivated, that it might not attract attention.

Well there was one old lady, and a drunken old harridan she was surely, that paid all her attention to me.

His feet caught his attention.

The King heard me with attention, and began to conceive a much better opinion of me than he had ever before

It requires so much closer attention to the habits of the birds, that, if for that reason only, I have been willing to omit the gun.

Source: compiled by the editor from various references.

Health

Not all headaches require medical attention. (references)

No. Most cases do not require medical attention. (references)

Call their attention to sounds that are harmful. (references)

Business

German trade shows attract heavy attention from worldwide buyers. (references)

China is paying more attention to developing sustainable agriculture. (references)

Until recently, sample processing and storage were not paid due attention. (references)

Children

Dominican Republic

However, child abuse is receiving increasing public attention. (references)

Czech Republic

Child abuse continued to receive press attention during the year. (references)

Japan

Public attention is focused increasingly on reports of frequent child abuse in the home. (references)

Civil Liberties

Macau

Critics charge that they do not give equal attention to liberal and prodemocracy voices. (references)

Morocco

The media continue to engage regularly in self-censorship to avoid the Government's attention and possible sanctions. (references)

Iran

Jewish leaders reportedly are reluctant to draw attention to official mistreatment of their community due to fear of government reprisal. (references)

Economic History

Egypt

Egypt's infrastructure also claimed early attention. (references)

Sri Lanka

Send queries to the attention of the Advertising Manager. (references)

Eq. Guinea

Only a few investment disputes have come to the attention of the Embassy. (references)

Human Rights

Guyana

Prior to his death, Brunoanish reportedly asked for medical attention to no avail. (references)

Brazil

Mentally ill inmates lived among other prisoners and were given no medical attention. (references)

Brazil

As of September, no arrests had been made in the case, despite widespread media attention. (references)

Indigenous People

Paraguay

Scarce resources and limited government attention resulted in little progress in dealing with these problems. (references)

Norway

The killing received considerable attention in the media, and several antiracism associations mobilized marches and other demonstrations against racism a few days after the killing. (references)

Colombia

They drew the attention of the Government in particular to the paramilitary killing in June of Embera-Katio leader Pedro Alirio Domico, governor of Esmeralda River Indigenous Reserve, Cordoba department, and Alberto Sabugara Velasquez, leader of the Gengaro Indigenous Reserve, Choco department. (references)

Minorities

Belgium

In its 2000 report, the center drew attention to discrimination against non-Belgians in certain categories of public service jobs. (references)

Albania

Of all minority groups, ethnic Greeks are the largest and best organized and receive the most attention and assistance from abroad. (references)

Switzerland

Neo-Nazi, skinhead, and other extremist organizations attracted greater police and government attention during the year because of such groups' increasing organization at international levels, the violence such groups commit, and the youth of the group members. (references)

Political Economy

Ireland

There is also increasing attention paid to e-commerce related activities. (references)

HONG KONG

With the government's success against optical disc pirates, increasing attention has turned to the problem of computer end-user piracy. (references)

SPAIN

Spanish authorities have been cooperative in resolving specific trade problems relating to standards and certifications brought to their attention. (references)

Political Rights

Yemen

The new government program focuses on domestic reform, with particular attention to human development, including education, economic development, electoral reform, political decentralization, judicial reform, and human rights. (references)

Belarus

Despite considerable international attention to the composition of these commissions, and recommendations by international organizations for needed changes before the election, the regime took no action to attempt to address this flaw. (references)

Trade

Korea

The banking industry gave scant attention to domestic small and medium-sized companies. (references)

Travel

Ecuador

Travelers are advised to pay close attention to the news media in Quito for updates on the situation. (references)

Australia

Business etiquette is similar to the U.S., with attention paid to advance planning, promptness, punctuality, and follow through. (references)

Indonesia

Caution, however, should also be exercised in such "5-star" establishments, with particular attention to fresh vegetables and salads. (references)

Women

Uganda

These problems continued to receive increasing public attention. (references)

Austria

They usually receive wide public attention when voicing their concerns. (references)

Malaysia

Spousal abuse has drawn considerable government, NGO, and press attention. (references)

Worker Rights

Kenya

The problem has received considerable media attention for several years. (references)

Greece

Trafficking in women received significant amounts of media attention during the year. (references)

Fiji

The workers received a nominal pay increase; however, the strike attracted media attention. (references)

Source: compiled by the editor from ICON Group International, Inc.; see credits.

Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

Source: compiled by the editor from various references.

Expressions using "attention": abstract attention ♦ active attention ♦ apply one's attention to smth. ♦ at attention ♦ attention deficit disorder ♦ Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity ♦ Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) ♦ attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ♦ attention getter ♦ attention party ♦ attention please! ♦ Attention problems ♦ attention span ♦ attention to detail ♦ attract attention ♦ attract one's attention ♦ attract smb.'s attention ♦ attract the attention ♦ attracting attention ♦ be all attention ♦ bring to attention ♦ call attention ♦ call attention to ♦ call one's attention ♦ call smb.'s attention ♦ call smb.'s attention to ♦ catch attention of ♦ catch smb.'s attention ♦ catch the attention ♦ center of attention ♦ centre of attention ♦ close attention ♦ come to attention ♦ come to smb.'s attention ♦ deep attention ♦ deliberate attention ♦ diligent attention ♦ direct attention to ♦ direct one's attention to smth. ♦ direct the attention to ♦ distract attention ♦ divert one's attention ♦ draw attention ♦ draw one's attention ♦ draw smb.'s attention to ♦ draw the attention ♦ drive without attention ♦ engage attention ♦ entire attention ♦ escape attention ♦ escape smb.'s attention ♦ examine with attention ♦ exclusive attention ♦ focus attention on ♦ focus of attention ♦ focus one's attention on ♦ for attention of ♦ for immediate attention ♦ for the attention of ♦ give attention to ♦ intense attention ♦ it has come to my attention that ♦ it is unworthy of our attention ♦ labored attention ♦ machine attention ♦ minute attention ♦ not to pay attention ♦ pay attention ♦ pay attention to ♦ pay no attention ♦ pay one's attention to smb. ♦ pay particular attention ♦ paying attention ♦ paying no attention ♦ profound attention ♦ public attention ♦ renew one's attention ♦ rivet one's attention on ♦ show attention on smb. ♦ stand at attention ♦ stand to attention ♦ standing at attention ♦ stop trying to draw attention to yourself! ♦ To pay attention to ♦ turn one's attention from ♦ with attention ♦ without attracting smb.'s attention ♦ worth of attention ♦ you must pay attention to my advice. Additional references.

Beginning with "attention": attention-attracting, attention-demanding, attention-diverting, attention-drawing, attention-fixer, attention-focusing, attention-gaining, attention-getters, attention-getting, attention-grabber, attention-grabbers, attention-grabbing, attention-held, attention-like, attention-seekers, attention-seeking.

Ending with "attention": over-attention, self-attention.

Afrikaans

aandag (acuity, advertence, advertency), attensie (acuity, advertence, advertency), ag (account, accredit, acuity, advertence, advertency, ah, believe, consider, deem, eight, esteem, look, oh, opine, ow, regard, think, think well of, view, watch, woe). (various references)

Albanian

vërejtje (comment, custody, jobation, objection, observation, rebuke, remark, reproach, reproof, reservation, reserve), vëmendje (assiduity, attentiveness, care, carefulness, concentration, consideration, heed, note, notice, regard, thought), përkujdesje (assiduity, attendance, care, precaution, solicitude). (various references)

Arabic 

بال (thought, to urinate), ‏ملاحظة (heed, notice, noticing, noting, observance, observation, perception, remarking), ‏حرص (assiduity, care, jealousy, take notice), ‏عناية (attendance, care, concern, custody, heed, interest, keeping, notice), ‏إهتمام (concern, heed, interest, regard, solicitude, studiousness), ‏إنتباه (alertness, attentiveness, awareness, heed, mark, notice, regard, remark, warning), ‏إصغاء (listening). (various references)

Bulgarian 

грижа (care, concern, custody, heed, keeping, look out, oversight, regard, solicitude, study, tendance, trouble, worriment, worrit, worry), внимание (addresses, caution, count, heads up, heed, look out, note, notice, precaution, regard, remark, respect, solicitude, study), обслужване (attendance, entertainment, service, tendance). (various references)

Chinese 

注意 (take note of). (various references)

Czech

pozornost (consideration, courtesy, thoughtfulness), pozor (caution, look out, mind). (various references)

Danish

opmærksomhed (acuity, advertence, advertency). (various references)

Dutch

aandacht (acuity, advertence, advertency), attentie (acuity, advertence, advertency), acht (acuity, advertence, advertency, eight). (various references)

Esperanto

atento. (various references)

Faeroese

ansur (acuity, advertence, advertency). (various references)

Farsi 

مواظبت (Assistance, Attendance, Care, Vigilance), حواس , توجه (Assiduity, Attendance, Consideration, Heed, Keep, Notation, Notice, Regard, Remark, Tendency, Tent), خاطر (Mind, Remembrance, Sake), خبردار, ادب ونزاکت , دقت (Accuracy, Certitude, Delicacy, Nicety, Precision, Severity). (various references)

Finnish

asento (carriage, pose, position, posture), tarkkaavaisuus (attentiveness), perusasento, koneenhoito (attendance, machine attendance, machine attention, machine maintenance, machine upkeep, maintenance, upkeep), huomio (notice, observation), huomaavaisuus (attentiveness), huolto (care, logistics, maintenance, service, servicing, supply, welfare). (various references)

French

attention (attentiveness). (various references)

Frisian

regaad (acuity, advertence, advertency), omtinken (acuity, advertence, advertency). (various references)

German

aufmerksamkeit (acuity, advertence, advertency, attentiveness, heedfulness, mindfulness, perceptiveness, regard, thoughtfulness), achtung (acuity, advertence, advertency, caution, danger, deference, esteem, estimate, estimation, get ready for it, look out, regard, respect, watch out), pflege (care, cultivation, fostering, maintenance, ministration, nursing, nursing care, nurture, upkeep). (various references)

Greek 

συντήρηση μηχανής (attendance, machine attendance, machine attention, machine maintenance, machine upkeep, maintenance, upkeep), προσοχή (advertence, beware of, care, caution, circumspection, heed, intentness, note, notice, oyez, regard, thoughtfulness, wakefulness, watchfulness), περίθαλψη (care, hospitalization, nursing, relief, succor, succour), φροντίδα (care, charge, concern, forethought, preoccupation, provision, solicitude). (various references)

Hebrew 

מצב דום, תשומת לב (heed, notice, regard), תשומה (assignment, input), עמידת דום (standing at attention), עמוד דום, התענינות (concern, interest), הקשבה (hearkening, listening). (various references)

Hungarian

figyelmesség (consideration, intentness, urbanity), figyelem (consideration, courtesy, heed, in limelight, notice, regard). (various references)

Icelandic

von (acuity, advertence, advertency, hope). (various references)

Indonesian

atensi, asi (care), perhatian (concern, heed, lime light), gubrisan, cam (interest). (various references)

Inuktitut

kamagivaa (to pay attention). (various references)

Irish

aird. (various references)

Italian

attenzione (acuity, advertence, advertency, care, carefulness, delicacy, esteem, heed, heedfulness, kindness, look out, mind out there, notice, regard). (various references)

Japanese Kanji 

面倒 (care, difficulty, trouble), 視聴 , 着眼 (aiming at, having an eye to, notice, observation, viewpoint), 着目 , 労り (carefulness, illness, labor, service, sympathy, trouble), 注目　 (notice, observation), 注目 (notice, observation), 注意 (advice, being careful, caution, warning), 気配り (attentiveness, care, consideration), 清聴 , アッピア街道 (adenoid, Adenovirus, Adidas, appendicitis, Appian Way, Apple, apple pie, applique, Athens, attention value, attest, carton, dubbing, goodbye, style of speaking in which the speaker gives the end of each sentence or phrase a higher intonation, up, up down, up style, up sweep, up to date, update, upload, upright, upright piano), 心配り (consideration, exerting care, thoughtfulness), 念 (care, concern, desire, feeling, idea, sense, thought). (various references)

Japanese Katakana 

きくばり (attentiveness, care, consideration), ねん (care, concern, desire, feeling, idea, sense, thought), しちょう (an audition, branch office, cities and towns, leading private, mayor, municipal office, paper mosquito net, trend of thought, trial listening), せいちょう (adult bird, clear, government office, grow to adulthood, growth, head oarsman, increment, legitimate dynasty, listening quietly, medicine for internal disorders, serene, sexual characteristics, style, tone, traditional tune, tune up), いたわり (carefulness, illness, labor, service, sympathy, trouble), こころくばり (consideration, exerting care, thoughtfulness), めんどう (care, difficulty, trouble), アテンション , ちゃくがん (aiming at, having an eye to, notice, observation, reaching the shore, viewpoint), ちゃくもく, ちゅうい (advice, average, being careful, caution, Chinese medicine, first lieutenant, lieutenant junior grade, mediocrity, medium, stationed in Italy, warning), ちゅうもく (notice, observation). (various references)

Korean 

주의 (Caution, heed, Heeding, Noticing, Noting, Propaganda). (various references)

Malay

menanti (advert, pay attention, pay attention to, watch out for). (various references)

Manx

tastid (acuteness, acuteness of mind, attentiveness, discernment, intellect, penetration, perception, sagacity), tastey (awareness, cognition, consideration, heed, keep, notice, observance, observation, observe, storage, vigilance), frioose (advertence, attentiveness, consideration, heedfulness, importance, moment, thoughtfulness, thrift, thriftiness, value), arrey (Cabinet minister, care, caution, feeder, guard, guard post, invigilation, look out, reserve, surveillance, vigilance, watch). (various references)

Norwegian

oppmerksomhet. (various references)

Papiamen

atenshon (acuity, advertence, advertency). (various references)

Pig Latin

attentionay.(