What does attention mean?
Attention is the mental act of concentrating on something — a person, object, task, or idea — while filtering out other stimuli. It appears most often in everyday phrases such as 'pay attention to', meaning to listen or watch carefully, and 'attract attention', meaning to draw notice from others. The word also covers the interest or regard given to someone ('the story received wide media attention') and the care applied to a matter ('the engine needs some attention'). Derived from Latin attendere, literally 'to stretch toward', attention carries the vivid image of a mind reaching out toward its object. Its adjective form is attentive, describing someone who is observant and considerate. In military usage, attention names a formal stance of upright stillness. Because it spans perception, courtesy, and care, attention is one of the most versatile nouns in English.
The concentration of the mind on a single object, thought, or activity.
"The students paid careful attention during the lecture."
Notice, regard, or consideration given to someone or something.
"Her unusual artwork attracted international attention."
Care or treatment applied to a person or thing.
"The wound required immediate medical attention."
An erect, motionless military posture assumed on command.
"The soldiers snapped to attention as the general approached."
Rarely used in the plural except in the set phrase 'pay attentions to' or, more commonly, in older or formal usage referring to acts of courtesy or romantic attentions.
"She was flattered by his constant attentions."
The word 'attention' comes from Latin attendere — literally 'to stretch toward', as if your mind physically reaches for what it notices.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of attention
Attention comes from the Latin verb attendere, meaning 'to give heed to' or literally 'to stretch toward', formed from ad- ('toward') plus tendere ('to stretch'). It entered English in the late Middle Ages via Old French atention. The same root gives rise to a family of English words including attend, attentive, attendance, and pretend, all built on the notion of stretching toward or extending oneself.
Related word forms
How attention is actually used
Commonly used in fixed phrases such as 'pay attention (to)' and 'attract/draw attention'. In military contexts, 'attention' is an uncountable noun naming a drill posture ('stand at attention'). The phrase 'Attention!' is also used as an exclamation to demand alertness.
Easily confused with attention
Attention means mental focus or notice, while intention refers to a plan or aim one has in mind.