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at·ten·tion Listen to audioˈtɛnʃən/ noun
plural at·ten·tions
1 : the act or power of carefully thinking about, listening to, or watching someone or something [noncount] We focused our attention on this particular poem. My attention wasn't really on the game. The game was boring and my attention began to wander. [=I was losing interest in the game and started thinking about other things] You need to pay more attention in school. Please give me your undivided/full/complete attention. [=please listen carefully and concentrate on what I am saying and doing] The movie keeps/holds your attention [=interest] right to the very end.often + to Her job requires careful attention to detail. You need to pay more attention to the teacher. Don't pay any attention to what the other kids say. [=ignore what the other kids say] It's time to turn/give our attention to the next project. Pay (close/careful) attention to what he says. [count] (US) Lately she's been focusing her attentions on making sales. This sense is sometimes used as an interjection.
Attention, please! [=please give me your attention]
2 [noncount] : notice, interest, or awareness
She likes all the attention she is getting from the media/press. The actor avoids drawing attention to himself. The book has received/attracted national attention. The trial is getting a lot of public attention. The children were competing for the teacher's attention. A cat on a leash is sure to attract attention. Your hard work and dedication have not escaped my attention. [=I have noticed your hard work and dedication] The book's title grabbed/caught my attention. [=the title caused me to look at the book] He was trying to divert/distract attention away from his friend's mistake. [=he was trying to keep people from noticing or thinking about his friend's mistake] We tried to attract/get your attention [=we tried to get you to see us], but you didn't hear us calling you. Thank you for bringing the matter to my attention. [=making me aware of the matter] It has been brought to my attention [=I've been made aware] that the meeting has been canceled. I would like to call/bring your attention to a problem we are having. It came to my attention [=I noticed] that several items were missing from my office. It has come to my attention [=I have been made aware] that some people were offended by my comments. He loves being the center of attention. [=he loves being noticed and watched by many people]
3 [noncount] : special care or treatment
Be sure the dog gets plenty of attention. The house is in good shape, but the porch needs some attention. The victim needed immediate medical attention.
4 attentions [plural] : acts of kindness, care, or courtesy : acts that show affection or admiration for someone
She found his attentions flattering. She has been receiving unwanted attentions from a coworker.
5 [noncount] : the way a soldier stands with the body stiff and straight, the feet together, and both arms at the sides — often used as a command Attention!
at attention
1 or to attention : standing silently with the body stiff and straight, the feet together, and both arms at the sides
(US) The troops stood at attention. = (Brit) The troops stood to attention.compare at ease at 1ease
2 : in a position that shows careful listening or attention
The dog sat at attention, listening for something in the distance.
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