noun

attention

attention, care, consideration, notice

Please pay attention in class.

Please pay attention in class.

The new movie is getting a lot of attention.

The new film is getting a lot of attention.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

The soldier stood at attention.

The soldier stood at attention.

to pay ~ ((to sb./sth.)) to focus on someone or something You should pay attention to the teacher.

to get/receive ~ to be noticed by people Her new book is getting a lot of attention.

to bring sth. to sb.'s ~ to make someone aware of something I'd like to bring this issue to your attention.

Synonyms: focus, concentration, notice, care

From Latin 'attentio', from 'attendere' (to stretch toward). It combines 'ad-' (to) + 'tendere' (to stretch), meaning the act of stretching one's mind toward something.

Imagine 'stretching' your mind 'to' listen to someone. That's paying 'at-tention'.

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