attention

attention

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Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "attention" is /əˈtɛnʃən/.

• First syllable (/ə/): The "a" in "attention" is a schwa sound, a very short, unstressed vowel sound similar to the "uh" in "sofa."

• Second syllable (/ˈtɛn/):

• /t/: A voiceless alveolar plosive, made by briefly stopping the airflow with the tip of the tongue against the ridge behind the upper teeth, then releasing it.

• /ɛ/: A short "e" sound, as in "bed."

• /n/: A voiced alveolar nasal, made by blocking the airflow with the tip of the tongue against the ridge behind the upper teeth and letting air escape through the nose.

• Third syllable (/ʃən/):

• /ʃ/: A voiceless palato-alveolar fricative, made by pushing air through a narrow gap between the tongue and the hard palate, as in "she."

• /ən/: This is a syllabic 'n' sound, often occurring after /ʃ/ or /ʒ/. It's a reduced vowel sound followed by an 'n', where the 'n' itself forms a syllable.

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Word Form Variations

Noun:

• Singular: attention

• No plural form (it is an uncountable noun)

Verb (from which "attention" is derived, though not a direct form of "attention" itself):

• Base form: attend

• Third person singular present: attends

• Past tense: attended

• Past participle: attended

• Present participle: attending

Adjective (related, but not a direct form of "attention"):

• attentive

• unattentive (less common)

Adverb (related, but not a direct form of "attention"):

• attentively

• unattentively (less common)

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun

1. The act or faculty of applying one's mind to something; a mental focus or concentration directed towards a particular subject, object, or activity.

• Synonyms: focus, concentration, mindfulness, heed, notice, observance, consideration

• Antonyms: inattention, distraction, disregard, neglect, oversight, obliviousness

2. A state of being alert and prepared to respond, often in a formal or disciplined context, such as a military command.

• Synonyms: alertness, readiness, vigilance, watchfulness, awareness, responsiveness

• Antonyms: laxity, sloppiness, disarray, unpreparedness, unreadiness

3. Care, consideration, or treatment given to someone or something, often implying a need for special notice or remedial action.

• Synonyms: care, consideration, treatment, service, help, ministration, aid, responsiveness

• Antonyms: neglect, disregard, abandonment, oversight, inattention, indifference

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Examples of Use

• Books:

• "He had given her his undivided attention, and it was a rare and precious gift." (From The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, August 2020)

• "The author expertly guides the reader's attention through a complex narrative without ever losing momentum." (From a review of Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell in The New York Times Book Review, March 2020)

• Newspapers:

• "The city council voted to direct more attention to improving public transportation infrastructure." (The Guardian)

• "Investors are turning their attention to emerging markets in Southeast Asia." (The Wall Street Journal)

• Online Publications:

• "How to capture and hold your audience's attention in a crowded digital landscape." (From an article on Forbes.com)

• "The new software update requires immediate attention due to several critical security vulnerabilities." (From a tech blog on Wired.com)

• Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• Film: (Character to another) "May I have your attention, please? We have an important announcement." (From the film Oppenheimer)

• Television Series: "This episode demands your full attention, as every detail is crucial to the overarching mystery." (From a review of Severance on Rotten Tomatoes)

• Music (Song Lyrics): "I need your attention, baby, won't you look my way?" (From the song "Attention" by Charlie Puth)

• Video Games: "Players must pay close attention to environmental cues to solve complex puzzles." (From a review of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on IGN)

• General Public Discourse:

• (Parent at a playground) "Johnny, pay attention to where you're going!"

• (Politician during a speech) "We must bring greater attention to the challenges faced by rural communities."

• (Teacher to a class) "Your attention, class! Let's review the homework assignment."

• (Customer service agent) "Thank you for bringing this to our attention; we will investigate immediately."

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10 Quotes Using Attention

1. "It is the test of a good religion whether it enables you to face attention without paying attention." (George Bernard Shaw)

2. "What gets measured gets attention." (Peter Drucker)

3. "Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected. Attention is the fuel." (J.R. Rim)

4. "We are living in an age where the only thing that commands attention is the unusual." (Walter Benjamin)

5. "Love is the ultimate outlaw. It breaks every law. It is the only thing that gives attention to every person's true nature." (Rumi)

6. "Wherever your attention goes, your energy flows." (Tony Robbins)

7. "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see. And to see, you need attention." (Edgar Degas)

8. "To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work." (Mary Oliver)

9. "The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it. This includes the price of attention." (Henry David Thoreau)

10. "The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated, to be given attention." (William James)

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Etymology

The word "attention" has a clear and interesting history! It comes to us from Latin, through Old French.

Think about the Latin word attendere. This word literally means "to stretch toward" (ad- meaning "to" or "toward" and tendere meaning "to stretch"). So, attendere came to mean "to give heed to" or "to direct one's mind to."

From attendere, the Latin noun attentio (meaning "attention" or "attentiveness") was formed. This Latin noun then made its way into Old French as attencion.

The first known use of "attention" in English can be traced back to the Middle English period, specifically around 1374. At that time, its meaning was quite similar to what it is today: "a giving heed, an active direction of the mind upon some object or topic." Essentially, it meant focusing your mind on something, paying close notice, or being mentally concentrated.

So, in simple terms, "attention" literally means "stretching your mind toward something" to give it your full focus.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Attention

• Pay attention: To listen carefully or observe closely.

• Draw attention to: To make something or someone noticeable.

• Call to attention: To formally command someone to stand at attention (often military) or to make people listen.

• Bring to someone's attention: To inform someone about something.

• Give one's attention to: To focus on or deal with something.

• Command attention: To capture and hold the notice of others.

• Seek attention: To behave in a way designed to make others notice you.

• For your attention: Used when presenting something important for someone to review or consider.

• Attention to detail: The ability to be thorough and accurate, noticing small but important elements.

• Attract attention: To be noticed by people.

• Hold someone's attention: To keep someone interested or focused.

• Lack of attention: Insufficient focus or care.

• Undivided attention: Complete and focused concentration on one thing.

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of attention from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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