From WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003) [wn]:
attention
n 1: the process whereby a person concentrates on some features
of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
[syn: attending] [ant: inattention]
2: the work of caring for or attending to someone or something;
"no medical care was required"; "the old car needed
constant attention" [syn: care, aid, tending]
3: a general interest that leads people to want to know more;
"She was the center of attention"
4: a courteous act indicating affection; "she tried to win his
heart with her many attentions"
5: the faculty or power of mental concentration; "keeping track
of all the details requires your complete attention"
6: a motionless erect stance with arms at the sides and feet
together; assumed by military personnel during drill or
review; "the troops stood at attention"
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Attention \At*ten"tion\, n. [L. attentio: cf. F. attention.]
1. The act or state of attending or heeding; the application
of the mind to any object of sense, representation, or
thought; notice; exclusive or special consideration;
earnest consideration, thought, or regard; obedient or
affectionate heed; the supposed power or faculty of
attending.
[1913 Webster]
They say the tongues of dying men
Enforce attention like deep harmony. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
Note: Attention is consciousness and something more. It is
consciousness voluntarily applied, under its law of
limitations, to some determinate object; it is
consciousness concentrated. --Sir W. Hamilton.
[1913 Webster]
2. An act of civility or courtesy; care for the comfort and
pleasure of others; as, attentions paid to a stranger.
[1913 Webster]
To pay attention to, To pay one's attentions to, to be
courteous or attentive to; to wait upon as a lover; to
court.
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Syn: Care; heed; study; consideration; application;
advertence; respect; regard.
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