noun / interjection

attention

uh-TEN-shuhn/əˈtenʃn/

Directed awareness of someone or something.

The child directs close attention to the butterfly beneath the magnifying glass.

An East Asian child focuses intently on a butterfly specimen under a magnifying glass.

Etymology

atLatintoward

+tentLatinto stretch

+ionLatinaction or process

Attention pictures the mind stretching toward an object or topic. The word first named actively directing the mind in this way, and later also named the power of mental concentration.

In context

KnowledgeCity2:24

demonstrate you're paying attention to them avoid interrupting and try to respond in ways that show you're following along with their train of thought

How To Have Tactful Interactions | Knowledgecity

More examples

The damaged roof needs immediate attention before the next storm.
The unusual sculpture attracts attention from people crossing the square.
At the command 'Attention!', the soldiers straighten and stand still.

Forms

attentive adjective — Carefully watching, listening, or responding to needs.

Similar words

concentration: Emphasizes sustained mental focus rather than care or public notice.
notice: Can mean brief awareness without sustained focus or action.