əˈtenchən also aˈ-; as a command in sense 5 (ə)|tenˈshən or (a)|-, with prolongation of -ten- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English attencioun, from Latin attention-, attentio, from attentus (past participle of attendere to attend) + -ion- -io -ion — more at attend
1. : the act or state of attending : the application of the mind to any object of sense or thought
the magnitude of his literary output … engaged his undivided attention — H.W.H.Knott
: consideration , notice
gain worldwide attention for a contribution to science
: mental power of attending
call attention to an error
fix attention on a moving light
2. : consideration with a view to action : observant care
call this to the manager's attention
3. : an act of civility or courtesy : care for the wishes, comfort, or pleasure of others : attentiveness
she loved her children, but did not … spoil them … with injudicious attentions — Rose Macaulay
specifically : interest and concern expressed in courtship
she would now marry Voldi whose constant attentions … were unmistakable — L.C.Douglas
4.
a. : an organismic condition of selective awareness or perceptual receptivity ; specifically : the complex of neuromuscular adjustments that permit maximum excitability or responsiveness to a given class of stimuli
b. : the process of focusing consciousness to produce greater vividness and clarity of certain of its contents relative to others
5. : a position assumed by a soldier with heels together at a 45 degree angle, body erect, arms and hands hanging naturally at the sides and eyes to the front — often used as a command