[at.ten.tion] n [ME attencioun, fr. L attention-, attentio, fr. attendere] (14c) 1 a: the act or state of attending esp. through applying the mind to an object of sense or thought b: a condition of readiness for such attention involving esp. a selective narrowing or focusing of consciousness and receptivity
2: observation, notice; esp: consideration with a view to action "a problem requiring prompt ~" 3 a: an act of civility or courtesy esp. in courtship 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 adj