noun

attention

attention, notice, consideration, care

Please pay attention in class.

Please pay attention in class.

The new design attracted a lot of attention.

The new design attracted a lot of attention.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

((to pay)) attention ((to sth./sb.)) to watch, listen to, or think about something carefully Please pay attention in class.

((to attract)) attention to make people notice something The new design attracted a lot of attention.

Synonyms: notice, concentration, consideration, care

From Latin 'attendere', meaning 'to stretch toward'. It breaks down into 'ad-' (to, toward) and 'tendere' (to stretch).

Think of 'paying' attention. You are giving your mental focus, which is valuable, to someone or something, just like paying money.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.