attention
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at·ten·tion
(ə-tĕn′shən)n.
1.
a. The act of close or careful observing or listening: You'll learn more if you pay attention in class.
b. The ability or power to keep the mind on something; the ability to concentrate: We turned our attention to the poem's last stanza.
c. Notice or observation: The billboard caught our attention.
2. The act of dealing with something or someone; treatment: This injury requires immediate medical attention.
3. attentions
a. Acts of interest or interference: "men who wanted ... freedom from censorship and the attentions of the police" (John Kenneth Galbraith).
b. Acts of consideration or courtesy, especially in an effort to win someone's affection or gain sexual favors: "She was almost giddy with disbelief at the unexpected attentions of a handsome, well-spoken, obviously professional man" (Rob Kantner).
4. 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.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
attention
(əˈtɛnʃən)n
1. concentrated direction of the mind, esp to a problem or task
2. consideration, notice, or observation: a new matter has come to our attention.
3. detailed care or special treatment: to pay attention to one's appearance.
4. (usually plural) an act of consideration, courtesy, or gallantry indicating affection or love: attentions given to a lover.
5. (Military) the motionless position of formal military alertness, esp in drill when an upright position is assumed with legs and heels together, arms to the sides, head and eyes facing to the front
6. (Psychology) psychol the act of concentrating on any one of a set of objects or thoughts. See also selective attention
sentence substitute
(Military) the order to be alert or to adopt a position of formal military alertness
[C14: from Latin attentiō, from attendere to apply the mind to; see attend]
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
at•ten•tion
(n. əˈtɛn ʃən; interj. əˌtɛnˈʃʌn)n.
1. the act or faculty of mentally concentrating on a single object, thought, or event.
2. a state of consciousness characterized by such concentration.
3. observant care or consideration: to give a matter personal attention.
4. civility or courtesy; regard.
5. notice or awareness: to catch someone's attention.
6. attentions, acts of courtesy or devotion indicating affection.
7. a position assumed while standing in military formation, with eyes to the front, arms to the sides, and heels together (often used as a command).
[1325–75; Middle English < Latin attentiō]
at•ten′tion•al, adj.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
Attention
See Also:ALERTNESS, SCRUTINY, WATCHFULNESS
- (When listening he is) as focused and as still as a chipmunk spying something unknown from atop a stone wall —Philip Roth about Primo Levi, New York Times Book Review, October 12, 1986
- The attention [of listeners] is like a narrow mouthed vessel; pour into it what you have to say cautiously, and, as it were, drop by drop —Joseph Joubert
- Attention rolled down like a window shade —Sharon Sheehe Stark
- Attention [of students] sinking … like sluggish iron from the cooling crust —John Updike
- Attentive and indifferent as a croupier —George Garrett
- Attracted about as much attention as a flea in a dog pound —Ross Thomas
- Attracted about as much attention (in the artistic world) as the advent of another fly in a slaughter house —James L. Ford
- Attracted as little attention as a dirty fingernail in the third grade —Ring Lardner
- Attracted attention like the principal heads in a picture —Honoré de Balzac
- Collected attention like twists of silver paper or small white pebbles —Elizabeth Bowen
- Concentrates … like a cancer victim scanning a medical dictionary in hopes that the standard definitions have been repealed overnight in favor of good news —James Morrow
- Curiosity, keen and cold as a steel knife —Maxim Gorky
- Deaf as a door nail —Thomas Wilson
This is the best known of many “Deaf as” similes. It’s used in its literal sense as well as to describe inattentiveness. Popular variants include “Deaf as a post,”“Deaf as a door,” and “Deaf as a stone.”
See Also:DEATH
- Deaf as a piecrust —Lawrence Durrell
- (Had honed her ability to turn) deaf as a snail —Joseph Wambaugh
- Drinking it [information] like a bomber pilot getting ready for a mission —Harvey Swados
- (The hoot of laughter that always made Mary) flick him off like television —Sumner Locke Elliott
- Had taken in her every anecdote as completely as a recording machine —Louis Auchincloss
- Heads are turning like windmills —Arthur Miller
- Heedless as the dead —Lord Byron
- His eyes wandered, like a mind —Penelope Gilliatt
- His mind keeps slipping away like a fly —John Rechy
- Inattentive, like the ear of a confessor —Mary McCarthy
- Intent as a surgeon —Jean Stafford
- Interest spread like a net —Nadine Gordimer
- (She could not keep her mind on anything;) it [her mind] kept darting around like a darning needle —Jean Stafford
- Leaned forward … like hounds just before they get the fox —Stephen Vincent Benét
- Leapt from theme to theme like a water-bug —Eleanor Clark
- Listened as intently as a blind woman —Rita Mae Brown
- Listened, very still, like a child who is being told a fascinating and gruesome fairy tale —Isak Dinesen
- Listen like an uncle —Herbert Gold
- Listen … like snakes to a charmer’s flute —Jan de Hartog
- Mind jumps from one thing to another like drops of water bouncing off a larded pan when you test whether the griddle is hot enough to pour the pancake batter in —John Hagge
- My mind wanders like smoke —Clifford Odets
- Pricked up his ears like two railroad signals —Lewis Carroll
- [Poets] receive the same care as xylophones and equestrian statues —Delmore Schwartz
See Also:ABANDONMENT
- Seems not to listen to her words, but rather watches her forming them … like some fervent anthropologist —William Boyd
- Snaps to attention like a thumb —Irving Feldman
- (He tried to apply his mind to the work he was doing but his) thoughts fluttered desperately, like moths in a trap —W. Somerset Maugham
- The words bounced off Harry, like pebbles skipped on water —Paul Kuttner
- (So scatter-brained that) words went by him like the wind —Louisa May Alcott
Similes Dictionary, 1st Edition. © 1988 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
attention
If you give someone or something your attention, you look at them, listen to them, or think about them carefully.
When he had their attention, he began his lecture.
He turned his attention back to his magazine.
You can also say that someone pays attention to something.
Look, pay attention to what I'm saying.
The food industry is beginning to pay attention to young consumers.
Be Careful!
Don't say that someone 'pays attention at' something.
Collins COBUILD English Usage © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 2004, 2011, 2012
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Switch to new thesaurus
Noun | 1. | attention - the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others basic cognitive process - cognitive processes involved in obtaining and storing knowledge attentiveness, heed, paying attention, regard - paying particular notice (as to children or helpless people); "his attentiveness to her wishes"; "he spends without heed to the consequences" clock-watching - paying excessive attention to the clock (in anticipation of stopping work) ear - attention to what is said; "he tried to get her ear" eye - attention to what is seen; "he tried to catch her eye" notice, observance, observation - the act of noticing or paying attention; "he escaped the notice of the police" notice - polite or favorable attention; "his hard work soon attracted the teacher's notice" inattention - lack of attention |
2. | attention - the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something; "no medical care was required"; "the old car needs constant attention" hair care, haircare, hairdressing - care for the hair: the activity of washing or cutting or curling or arranging the hair work - activity directed toward making or doing something; "she checked several points needing further work" maternalism - motherly care; behavior characteristic of a mother; the practice of acting as a mother does toward her children baby sitting, babysitting - the work of a baby sitter; caring for children when their parents are not home pet sitting - the work of a pet sitter; caring for pets in their own home while their owners are away from home dental care - care for the teeth first aid - emergency care given before regular medical aid can be obtained treatment, intervention - care provided to improve a situation (especially medical procedures or applications that are intended to relieve illness or injury) incubation - maintaining something at the most favorable temperature for its development livery - the care (feeding and stabling) of horses for pay manicure - professional care for the hands and fingernails pedicure - professional care for the feet and toenails nourishment - the act of nourishing; "her nourishment of the orphans saved many lives" nursing - the work of caring for the sick or injured or infirm tender loving care, TLC - considerate and solicitous care; "young children need lots of TLC" nurturance - physical and emotional care and nourishment personal care - care for someone who is disabled or is otherwise unable to care for themselves; can including bathing and cooking and managing bodily functions faith cure, faith healing - care provided through prayer and faith in God tree surgery - treatment of damaged or decaying trees healthcare, health care - the preservation of mental and physical health by preventing or treating illness through services offered by the health profession | |
3. | attention - a general interest that leads people to want to know more; "She was the center of attention" attractive feature, magnet, attractor, attracter, attraction - a characteristic that provides pleasure and attracts; "flowers are an attractor for bees" | |
4. | attention - a courteous act indicating affection; "she tried to win his heart with her many attentions" courtesy - a courteous or respectful or considerate act | |
5. | attention - the faculty or power of mental concentration; "keeping track of all the details requires your complete attention" mental note - special attention with intent to remember; "he made a mental note to send her flowers" alertness, vigilance, watchfulness, wakefulness - the process of paying close and continuous attention; "wakefulness, watchfulness, and bellicosity make a good hunter"; "vigilance is especially susceptible to fatigue" | |
6. | attention - 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" stance - standing posture armed forces, armed services, military, military machine, war machine - the military forces of a nation; "their military is the largest in the region"; "the military machine is the same one we faced in 1991 but now it is weaker" |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
attention
noun
1. thinking, thought, mind, notice, consideration, concentration, observation, scrutiny, heed, deliberation, contemplation, thoughtfulness, attentiveness, ATTN (S.M.S.), intentness, heedfulness He turned his attention to the desperate state of housing in the province.
2. care, support, concern, treatment, looking after, succour, ATTN (S.M.S.), ministration a demanding baby who wants attention 24 hours a day
3. awareness, regard, notice, recognition, consideration, observation, consciousness, ATTN (S.M.S.) Let me draw your attention to some important issues.
awareness distraction, disregard, disrespect, carelessness, inattention, laxity, thoughtlessness, unconcern, laxness
awareness distraction, disregard, disrespect, carelessness, inattention, laxity, thoughtlessness, unconcern, laxness
plural noun courtesy, compliments, regard, respect, care, consideration, deference, politeness, civility, gallantry, mindfulness, assiduities He was flattered by the attentions of a younger woman.
courtesy discourtesy, impoliteness
courtesy discourtesy, impoliteness
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
attention
noun1. Concentration of the mental powers on something:
2. The act of noting, observing, or taking into account:
The American Heritage® Roget's Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations
إنْتِباهاِنْتِبَاهعِنايَهيَكون في وَضع الإنْتِباه
pozornostpozorv pozoruošetření
opmærksomhedplejebehandling
tähelepanu
asentohuomio
pažnja
vigyázzállás
athygliréttstaîaumönnun
注意
주의
dėmesingaidėmesingasdėmesingumasdėmesyspriežiūra
gādībakopšanamiera stājauzmanība
ošetreniev pozore
pozornostmirnopozor
uppmärksamhet
ความตั้งใจ
sự chú ý
attention
[əˈtenʃən]A. N
1. → atención f
(your) attention please! → ¡atención por favor!
to attract sb's attention → llamar la atención de algn
to call or draw sb's attention to sth → hacer notar algo a algn
it has come to my attention that → me he enterado de que ...
it requires daily attention → hay que atenderlo a diario
it will have my earliest attention → lo atenderé lo antes posible
for the attention of Mr. Jones → a la atención del Sr. Jones
to pay attention (to) → prestar atención (a)
he paid no attention → no hizo caso (to that de eso) to pay special attention to → fijarse de modo especial en, prestar especial atención a
to turn one's attention to → pasar a considerar, pasar a estudiar
(your) attention please! → ¡atención por favor!
to attract sb's attention → llamar la atención de algn
to call or draw sb's attention to sth → hacer notar algo a algn
it has come to my attention that → me he enterado de que ...
it requires daily attention → hay que atenderlo a diario
it will have my earliest attention → lo atenderé lo antes posible
for the attention of Mr. Jones → a la atención del Sr. Jones
to pay attention (to) → prestar atención (a)
he paid no attention → no hizo caso (to that de eso) to pay special attention to → fijarse de modo especial en, prestar especial atención a
to turn one's attention to → pasar a considerar, pasar a estudiar
2. (Mil) attention! → ¡firme(s)!
to come to attention → ponerse firme(s)
to stand at or to attention → estar firme(s)
to come to attention → ponerse firme(s)
to stand at or to attention → estar firme(s)
3. attentions [of would-be suitor, media] → atenciones fpl
B. CPD attention deficit disorder N → trastorno m de déficit de atención
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder N → trastorno m hiperactivo de déficit de atención
attention span N → capacidad f de concentración
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder N → trastorno m hiperactivo de déficit de atención
attention span N → capacidad f de concentración
Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005
attention
[əˈtɛnʃən] n
(= consideration) → attention f
it has come to my attention that ... → je constate que ...
to pay attention to → faire attention à
He didn't pay attention to what I was saying → Il ne faisait pas attention à ce que je disais.
to hold sb's attention → retenir l'attention de qn
to need medical attention → avoir besoin de soins médicaux
to draw sb's attention to sth → attirer l'attention de qn sur qch
to attract sb's attention → attirer l'attention de qn
to catch sb's attention → attirer l'attention de qn
for the attention of (in letter, memo) → à l'attention de
it has come to my attention that ... → je constate que ...
to pay attention to → faire attention à
He didn't pay attention to what I was saying → Il ne faisait pas attention à ce que je disais.
to hold sb's attention → retenir l'attention de qn
to need medical attention → avoir besoin de soins médicaux
to draw sb's attention to sth → attirer l'attention de qn sur qch
to attract sb's attention → attirer l'attention de qn
to catch sb's attention → attirer l'attention de qn
for the attention of (in letter, memo) → à l'attention de
(MILITARY) at attention → au garde-à-vous
to stand to attention, to stand at attention → se tenir au garde-à-vous
to stand to attention, to stand at attention → se tenir au garde-à-vous
excl (MILITARY) → garde-à-vous!
attentions npl (= kindness) → attentions fpl, prévenances fplattention deficit disorder n → troubles mpl déficitaires de l'attentionattention deficit hyperactivity disorder n → troubles mpl déficitaires de l'attention avec hyperactivitéattention-grabbing [əˈtenʃənˌgræbɪŋ] adj [campaign, headline] → accrocheur/euse, qui retient l'attentionattention-seeking [əˈtenʃənˌsiːkɪŋ] adj → cherchant à attirer l'attentionattention span n → capacité f de concentration
His attention span is limited
BUT Il n'arrive pas à se concentrer très longtemps.
His attention span is limited
BUT Il n'arrive pas à se concentrer très longtemps.
Collins English/French Electronic Resource. © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
attention
n
no pl (= consideration, observation, notice) → Aufmerksamkeit f; to call attention to something → auf etw (acc) → aufmerksam machen; to call or draw somebody’s attention to something, to call or draw something to somebody’s attention → jds Aufmerksamkeit auf etw (acc) → lenken, jdn auf etw (acc) → aufmerksam machen; to attract somebody’s attention → jds Aufmerksamkeit erregen, jdn auf sich (acc) → aufmerksam machen; to turn one’s attention to somebody/something → jdm/einer Sache seine Aufmerksamkeit zuwenden, seine Aufmerksamkeit auf jdn/etw richten; to pay attention/no attention to somebody/something → jdn/etw beachten/nicht beachten; to pay attention to the teacher → dem Lehrer zuhören; to hold somebody’s attention → jdn fesseln; can I have your attention for a moment? → dürfte ich Sie einen Augenblick um (Ihre) Aufmerksamkeit bitten?; attention! → Achtung!; your attention, please → ich bitte um Aufmerksamkeit; (official announcement) → Achtung, Achtung!; it has come to my attention that … → ich bin darauf aufmerksam geworden, dass …; it has been brought to my attention that … → es ist mir zu Ohren gekommen, dass …
(Comm) attention Miss Smith, for the attention of Miss Smith → zu Händen von Frau Smith; your letter will receive our earliest attention → Ihr Brief wird baldmöglichst or umgehend bearbeitet; for your attention → zur gefälligen Beachtung
attentions
pl (= kindnesses) → Aufmerksamkeiten pl; to pay one’s attentions to somebody (dated: = court) → jdm den Hof machen
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007
attention
[əˈtɛnʃ/ən] na. → attenzione f
to call sb's attention to sth → richiamare qc all'attenzione di qn
it has come to my attention that ... → sono venuto a conoscenza (del fatto) che...
to pay attention (to) → stare attento/a (a), fare attenzione (a)
for the attention of (Admin) → all'attenzione di
to call sb's attention to sth → richiamare qc all'attenzione di qn
it has come to my attention that ... → sono venuto a conoscenza (del fatto) che...
to pay attention (to) → stare attento/a (a), fare attenzione (a)
for the attention of (Admin) → all'attenzione di
c. attentions npl (kindnesses) → attenzioni fpl, premure fpl
Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995
attention
(əˈtenʃən) noun1. notice. He tried to attract my attention; Pay attention to your teacher!
2. care. That broken leg needs urgent attention.
3. concentration of the mind. His attention wanders.
4. (in the army etc) a position in which one stands very straight with hands by the sides and feet together. He stood to attention.
atˈtentive (-tiv) adjective giving attention. The children were very attentive when the teacher was speaking; attentive to her needs.
atˈtentively (-tiv-) adverbThey listened attentively.
atˈtentiveness nounKernerman English Multilingual Dictionary © 2006-2013 K Dictionaries Ltd.
attention
→ اِنْتِبَاه pozornost opmærksomhed Aufmerksamkeit προσοχή atención huomio attention pažnja attenzione 注意 주의 aandacht oppmerksomhet uwaga atenção внимание uppmärksamhet ความตั้งใจ dikkat sự chú ý 注意Multilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009
attention
n. atención, cuidado;
lack of ___ → falta de ___;
v.
to pay ___ → atender, prestar atención.
English-Spanish Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
attention
n atención f; — span período de atenciónEnglish-Spanish/Spanish-English Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.