A2noun 1K

Attention

🇬🇧 UK /["/əˈtenʃn/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/əˈtenʃn/"]/

Meaning of Attention

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.

Attention in a sentence

• 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.

How to use Attention

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.

Related words

Collocations with Attention

• 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 for Attention

• notice
• focus
• concentration
• awareness
• heed

Opposites of Attention

• disregard
• indifference
• neglect

Common mistakes with Attention

• 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'

Frequently asked questions about Attention

What does Attention mean?

The act of noticing something or focusing on it.

What is the definition of Attention?

the act of listening to, looking at or thinking about something/somebody carefully; interest that people show in somebody/something

How do you use Attention in a sentence?

The teacher asked for everyone's attention before starting the lesson.

Can you give another example of Attention?

Children need a lot of attention to grow and learn properly.

What are synonyms for Attention?

Common alternatives include notice, focus, concentration, awareness, heed.

What is the opposite of Attention?

Opposite meanings include disregard, indifference, neglect.

What words go with Attention?

It commonly pairs with 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.

What are common mistakes when using Attention?

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'

How do you pronounce Attention?

US: /["/əˈtenʃn/"]/, UK: /["/əˈtenʃn/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Attention?

Use 'attention' in contexts where focus or awareness is required. Avoid in casual settings when referring to trivial matters.

What CEFR level is Attention?

"Attention" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.