attention
gb/ətˈɛnʃən/ us/ətˈɛnʃən/
A2
English
~ 800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
state
1
mental focus on something
When you keep your mind on one thing and think about it carefully.
Usage pattern:
pay [attention] to [something/someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'attention' (a noun) with 'attend' (a verb meaning 'to be present at' or 'to take care of').
Synonyms
focus (Implies sustained mental effort directed at something specific.)
Antonyms
distraction (A state of having one's thoughts pulled away from the intended focus.)
Collocations
pay attention
|draw attention
|get attention
|attention span
|call attention
Themes
daily life
|education
|work
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Please pay attention to the road while driving.
- The teacher tried to get the students’ attention before starting the lesson.
- Her attention was completely on the book she was reading.
- He quickly lost attention during the long meeting.
- The loud noise caught my attention.
Learner examples
- Please pay attention to me.
- I need your attention now.
- Pay attention in class.
- She gave her full attention to the baby.
- The music got his attention.
Noun
A2
state
2
notice or interest toward something
When people look at or listen to someone or something because they are interested.
Usage pattern:
get [someone’s] attention
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse this with 'intention' because they sound similar, but 'attention' is about noticing, not planning.
Synonyms
notice (More general term for observing or becoming aware of something.)
Antonyms
neglect (Failure to give notice or interest to something that might require it.)
Collocations
attract attention
|seek attention
|grab attention
|media attention
Themes
daily life
|social
|communication
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The bright colors are designed to attract attention.
- She enjoys being the center of attention at parties.
- His strange behavior drew the attention of the police.
- The story received little media attention.
- He tapped the microphone to get everyone’s attention.
Learner examples
- She likes a lot of attention.
- The dog wanted my attention.
- He called my name to get my attention.
- Her dress got a lot of attention.
- The news got much attention.
Noun
B1
state
3
upright military stance
A way soldiers stand very straight with feet together and arms by their sides.
Usage pattern:
stand at [attention]
Synonyms
stance (A general word for a way of standing; 'attention' is a specific formal stance.)
Antonyms
at ease (A more relaxed military stance compared to 'attention'.)
Collocations
stand at attention
|come to attention
Themes
military
|sports
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The soldiers stood at attention during the ceremony.
- When the officer entered, everyone came to attention.
- The guard remained at attention for hours.
- She snapped to attention when her name was called.
- The cadets stood at rigid attention.
Learner examples
- The soldiers stand at attention.
- Stand at attention now.
- They stand at attention in front of the flag.
- The guard is at attention.
- He came to attention quickly.
Grammar
Dictionary form
attention
IPA
GB/ətˈɛnʃən/
US/ətˈɛnʃən/
Syllables & stress
at - ten - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ten)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: attention
- Plural: attention, attentions
Word family
Forms
attentions
noun
Core family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
inattention
noun
inattentive
adjective
inattentively
adverb
Expressions
call attention to
1/kˈɔl ətˈɛnʃən tə/
fixed phrase
highlight something for others
To make people notice or think about something important.
Examples
- The campaign calls attention to climate change issues.
- She called attention to the mistakes in the report.
get someone's attention
1/ɡˈɛt sˈʌmwˌʌnz ətˈɛnʃən/
fixed phrase
make someone notice you/something
To make someone look at you or listen to you.
Examples
- He waved his hand to get the waiter’s attention.
- The movie’s opening scene really gets your attention.
attract attention
1/ətɹˈækt ətˈɛnʃən/
fixed phrase
Make people notice
To make people look at or think about something.
Examples
- His unusual hairstyle attracted a lot of attention.
- Her colorful dress attracted attention at the party.
- The ad is designed to attract customer attention.
- The ad was designed to attract attention quickly.
draw attention to
1/dɹˈɔ ətˈɛnʃən tə/
phrasal verb
make others notice something
To make people see or know about something.
Examples
- She wore a bright dress to draw attention to herself.
- The report draws attention to the need for better safety measures.
draw attention to
2/dɹˈɔ ətˈɛnʃən tə/
phrasal verb
Cause people to notice something specific
To make people see or think about something.
Examples
- The teacher drew attention to the mistake on the board.
- The article draws attention to climate change issues.
pay attention
1/pˈeɪ ətˈɛnʃən/
fixed phrase
Focus your mind on something
To listen to, watch, or think about something carefully.
Examples
- Please pay attention to the instructions so you don’t make mistakes.
- Pay attention to the instructions so you don't make mistakes.
- He paid close attention during the lecture.
- Children should pay attention in class.