Cool MateAttention
UK /["/əˈtenʃn/"]/US /["/əˈtenʃn/"]/
Definition
the act of listening to, looking at or thinking about something/somebody carefully; interest that people show in somebody/something
In simple words: The act of noticing something or focusing on it.
Examples
- The teacher asked for everyone's attention before starting the lesson.
- Children need a lot of attention to grow and learn properly.
- He has a difficult time focusing his attention on homework because of distractions.
- You should pay attention to the instructions to avoid mistakes.
- The loud noise caught my attention while I was reading a book.
Usage notes
Use 'attention' in contexts where focus or awareness is required. Avoid in casual settings when referring to trivial matters.
Grammar pattern
take + object (e.g., take attention)
Memory hint
Think of 'a tension' in your mind when focusing on something.
Collocations
- full
- rapt
- undivided
- devote
- direct
- give (somebody/something)
- focus
- shift
- turn
- span
- for somebody’s attention
- attention to detail
- care and attention
- the centre/center of attention
- constant
- individual
- personal
- devote
- give
- lavish
- full
- rapt
- undivided
- devote
- direct
- give (somebody/something)
- focus
- shift
- turn
- span
- for somebody’s attention
- attention to detail
- care and attention
- the centre/center of attention
Synonyms
- notice
- focus
- concentration
- awareness
- heed
Antonyms
- disregard
- indifference
- neglect
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'attentive' — remember 'attention' is the noun.
- Using it in slang contexts — primarily neutral or formal.
- Incorrectly stating 'pay attention to' without the 'to'