Attention — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ə-ˈten(t)-shən/ at·ten·tion

Meaning & Definition of Attention

Attention (noun)

  1. the act or state of applying the mind to something
  2. a condition of readiness for such attention involving especially a selective narrowing or focusing of consciousness and receptivity
  3. observation, notice; especially, consideration with a view to action

Attention (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a focusing of the mind on something

    "I need your full attention right now"

    similar: absorption, concentration, engrossment, enthrallment, immersion
    related: fixation, obsession, preoccupation, alertness, application, awareness, consciousness, consideration, heedfulness, intentness, raptness, regard, contemplation, meditation, musing, pondering, rumination
    opposite: inattention
    near: absence, absentmindedness, abstractedness, abstraction, detachment, distraction, obliviousness, remoteness, unawareness, unconsciousness, withdrawal, disinterest, indifference, mindlessness, unconcern, befuddlement, bemusement, bewilderment, confusion

  2. a state of being aware

    "several mothers brought to the committee's attention the deplorable condition of the playground"

    similar: advertence, advertency, awareness, cognizance, consciousness, ear, eye, heed, knowledge, mindfulness, note, notice, observance, observation
    related: hyperawareness, hyperconsciousness, advisement, care, concern, consideration, regard, watch, apprehension, discernment, grasp, mind, perception, recognition, thought, understanding
    near: disregard, neglect, obliviousness, unawareness

  3. an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners

    "she enjoyed her suitor's old-school attentions"

    similar: amenity, civility, courtesy, formality, gesture, pleasantry, politeness
    related: honors, ceremony, observance, rite, ritual, decorum, etiquette, form, manners, mores, proprieties, addresses, devoirs, greetings, regards, respects, favor, grace, kindliness, kindness, protocol, rules

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Attention

The most common words with a similar meaning to Attention:

absorption, concentration, engrossment, enthrallment, immersion, advertence, advertency, awareness, cognizance, consciousness, ear, eye, heed, knowledge, mindfulness, note, notice, observance, observation, amenity, civility, courtesy, formality, gesture, pleasantry, politeness

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Attention

Words with the opposite meaning of Attention:

inattention

Related Words for Attention

fixation, obsession, preoccupation, alertness, application, consideration, heedfulness, intentness, raptness, regard, contemplation, meditation, musing, pondering, rumination, hyperawareness, hyperconsciousness, advisement, care, concern, watch, apprehension, discernment, grasp, mind, perception, recognition, thought, understanding, honors

Near Antonyms of Attention

absence, absentmindedness, abstractedness, abstraction, detachment, distraction, obliviousness, remoteness, unawareness, unconsciousness, withdrawal, disinterest, indifference, mindlessness, unconcern, befuddlement, bemusement, bewilderment, confusion, disregard, neglect

Word Forms of Attention

Derived words: attentional (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Attention

Middle English attencioun, from Latin attention-, attentio, from attendere see attend

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Attention

Words & Phrases Containing Attention

attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention line, attention span, attract/get someone's attention, bring the matter to someone's attention, bring to someone's attention, center of attention, come to someone's attention

Frequently Asked Questions about Attention

What does "Attention" mean?

"Attention" means the act or state of applying the mind to something. As a noun, it is defined as: the act or state of applying the mind to something. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Attention"?

Other words for "Attention" include absorption, concentration, engrossment, enthrallment, immersion, advertence, advertency and awareness. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Attention" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Attention"?

There are 76 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Attention". Common alternatives include absorption, concentration, engrossment, enthrallment, immersion, advertence, advertency, awareness, cognizance and consciousness.

What is the opposite of "Attention"?

Antonyms of "Attention" include inattention. Near antonyms include absence, absentmindedness, abstractedness and abstraction.

How do you use "Attention" in a sentence?

Examples of "Attention" in a sentence: "I need your full attention right now"; "several mothers brought to the committee's attention the deplorable condition of the playground"; "she enjoyed her suitor's old-school attentions".

Is "Attention" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Attention" is a noun.

Is "Attention" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Attention" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Attention"?

"Attention" is pronounced /ə-ˈten(t)-shən/ and divided into syllables as at·ten·tion.