n.
Pronunciation: ə - ' ten(t)-sh ə n; sense 4 often ( ə -) ˌ ten(ch)- ' h ə t
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English attencioun, from Latin attention-, attentio, from attendere
Date: 14th century
1 a : the act or state of attending especially through applying the mind to an object of sense or thought b : a condition of readiness for such attention involving especially a selective narrowing or focusing of consciousness and receptivity
2 : OBSERVATION , NOTICE especially : consideration with a view to action <a problem requiring prompt attention >
3 a : an act of civility or courtesy especially in courtship <she welcomed his attention s > b : sympathetic consideration of the needs and wants of others : ATTENTIVENESS
4 : a position assumed by a soldier with heels together, body erect, arms at the sides, and eyes to the front ― often used as a command
– at · ten · tion · al \ - ' ten(t)-sh( ə -)n ə l \ adjective