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.
They say the tongues of dying men
Enforce attention like deep harmony.
Shak.
&fist; 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.
2. An act
of civility or courtesy; care for the
comfort and pleasure of others; as, attentions paid to a stranger.
To pay attention to, To pay
one's attentions to, to be
courteous or attentive to; to wait upon
as a lover;
to court.
Syn. -- Care; heed; study; consideration; application; advertence; respect; regard.
Hear it pronounced