Attention Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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attention
[əˈtɛnʃ(ə)n ]
Definitions
paying
The act of carefully listening, watching, or considering something. It involves focusing one's mind on a particular object or task.
Synonyms
awareness, concentration, focus.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| attention |
This is a general term for when someone is listening or looking carefully at something. It can be used in both casual and formal situations.
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| focus |
This is similar to concentration but slightly broader, and can also indicate the main point of interest or activity. It is used both in personal and professional contexts.
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| concentration |
This signifies the act of focusing all your mental effort on something without distraction. It is commonly used in learning or work-related scenarios.
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| awareness |
This refers to the knowledge or perception of a situation or fact. Often used in contexts where understanding deepens, such as in campaigns or educational settings.
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Examples of usage
- She called for attention before making an important announcement.
- He was so absorbed in his book that he didn't even notice her enter the room.
medical
The mental faculty of considering or understanding the significance of something.
Synonyms
awareness, consciousness, perception.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| attention |
Employ when highlighting a particular importance to detail or care.
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| awareness |
Use when referring to the knowledge or understanding of a situation or subject. Often used in social, mental health, or environmental contexts.
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| consciousness |
Use when talking about the state of being awake and aware of one's surroundings, or in a philosophical context discussing the mind or self-awareness.
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| perception |
Use when discussing how something is seen or understood by individuals, often referring to opinions, viewpoints, or sensory interpretations.
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Examples of usage
- He paid special attention to the details of the contract before signing it.
- She needed to see a doctor because her attention was constantly drifting.
school
The act of providing someone with help or information to learn something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| attention |
This can also imply a need for recognition or validation.
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| care |
Best used when talking about looking after someone or something, often involving a sense of responsibility or tenderness.
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| guidance |
Ideal for situations where advice or direction is needed, often from someone with more experience or knowledge.
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| support |
Applicable when offering help or assistance, either emotionally, financially, or physically.
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Examples of usage
- She needed extra attention from her teacher to understand the math concept.
- The student's progress improved with the teacher's individual attention.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'attention'
The word 'attention' originated from the Latin word 'attentio', meaning 'act of attending to'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to the mental act of focusing on something or the quality of paying particular notice to something. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass various contexts, from paying attention in a classroom to receiving medical attention.