Attension vs. Attention — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 21, 2024
"Attension" is incorrect; the right spelling is "Attention." "Attention" refers to the act of focusing on something or someone.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Attension or Attention
How to spell Attention?
Attension
Incorrect Spelling
Attention
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Think of the word "tent" in "attention" and remember there's only one 's.'
Recollect that "attention" has the root "attend."
"Attention" has "ten" in the middle, as in "I have ten fingers to point my focus."
Note that "tension" is a different word entirely, so "attention" shouldn’t be spelled with the similar "sion" ending.
Remember it like "At-TEN-tion," emphasizing the "TEN."
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"Attention" is the commonly used term in the military: "Atten-tion!"
Associate "attention" with "intention," both having a single 's.'
Use mnemonic: "At the tent, I pay attention," to remember the correct sequence and single 's.'
Think of a tent: it stands tall and focused amidst distractions, just like "attention."
"Atten-sion" sounds like tension, which is not the intended meaning.
How Do You Spell Attention Correctly?
Incorrect: She pays a lot of attension to detail in her paintings.
Correct: She pays a lot of attention to detail in her paintings.
Incorrect: The noise outside captured my dog's attension immediately.
Correct: The noise outside captured my dog's attention immediately.
Incorrect: He tried to get the teacher's attension by raising his hand.
Correct: He tried to get the teacher's attention by raising his hand.
Incorrect: My attension drifted away during the lecture.
Correct: My attention drifted away during the lecture.
Incorrect: Without proper attension, mistakes are easy to make.
Correct: Without proper attention, mistakes are easy to make.
Attention Definitions
Attention implies the state of being noticed or remembered.
His antics always get him attention.
Attention might indicate a courteous act indicating affection or love.
He showered her with attention during their date.
The act of dealing with or considering something/someone.
The teacher's lecture grabbed his attention immediately.
A notice or interest in someone or something.
The bright colors of the poster caught my attention.
Attention refers to the act of focusing the mind on a particular object or activity.
She drew our attention to the beautiful artwork.
The care or consideration given to someone.
The injured player received immediate medical attention.
Attention is the behavioral and cognitive process of selectively concentrating on a discrete aspect of information, whether considered subjective or objective, while ignoring other perceivable information. William James (1890) wrote that "Attention is the taking possession by the mind, in clear and vivid form, of one out of what seem several simultaneously possible objects or trains of thought.
Notice taken of someone or something; the regarding of someone or something as interesting or important
He drew attention to three spelling mistakes
The action of dealing with or taking special care of someone or something
He was found guilty of failing to give a patient adequate medical attention
Her business needed her attention
A position assumed by a soldier, standing very straight with the feet together and the arms straight down the sides of the body
Saunders stood stolidly to attention
The act of close or careful observing or listening
You'll learn more if you pay attention in class.
The ability or power to keep the mind on something; the ability to concentrate
We turned our attention to the poem's last stanza.
Notice or observation
The billboard caught our attention.
The act of dealing with something or someone; treatment
This injury requires immediate medical attention.
Acts of interest or interference
"men who wanted ... freedom from censorship and the attentions of the police" (John Kenneth Galbraith).
Acts of consideration or courtesy, especially in an effort to win someone's affection or gain sexual favors
"She was almost giddy with disbelief at the unexpected attentions of a handsome, well-spoken, obviously professional man" (Rob Kantner).
A military posture, with the body erect, eyes to the front, arms at the sides, and heels together.
Used as a command to assume an erect military posture.
(uncountable) Mental focus.
Please direct your attention to the following words.
(countable) An action or remark expressing concern for or interest in someone or something, especially romantic interest.
A state of alertness in the standing position.
The company will now come to attention.
A technique in neural networks that mimics cognitive attention, enhancing the important parts of the input data while giving less priority to the rest.
(military) Used as a command to bring soldiers to the attention position.
A call for people to be quiet/stop doing what they are presently doing and pay heed to what they are to be told or shown.
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 menEnforce attention like deep harmony.
An act of civility or courtesy; care for the comfort and pleasure of others; as, attentions paid to a stranger.
The process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
The work of caring for or attending to someone or something;
No medical care was required
The old car needed constant attention
A general interest that leads people to want to know more;
She was the center of attention
A courteous act indicating affection;
She tried to win his heart with her many attentions
The faculty or power of mental concentration;
Keeping track of all the details requires your complete attention
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
Attention denotes the consideration or observation given to something.
The issue needs immediate attention.
Attention can mean being ready to listen or respond.
Soldiers stood at attention during the ceremony.
A state of readiness for such things as threats or orders.
The soldiers stood at attention when the general walked by.
A respectful act of listening or consideration.
Please pay attention when the safety guidelines are being read.
Attention Meaning in a Sentence
His unusual outfit attracted a lot of attention at the party.
She has a knack for grabbing everyone's attention when she speaks.
The bright colors of the flowers drew my attention.
I need your full attention while explaining the rules.
The magician's trick captured the audience's attention.
She caught the attention of the entire class with her question.
Pay attention to the signs while hiking in the forest.
Losing attention during the test can lead to mistakes.
The loud sound snapped me back to attention.
A good book can hold my attention for hours.
The teacher asked for attention before announcing the results.
You need to focus your attention on your homework.
The child's cry for attention was heart-wrenching.
The new policy is designed to bring attention to environmental issues.
The intricate design of the clock draws attention.
His actions were a desperate bid for attention.
Diverting attention from the problem won't solve it.
The puppy demanded attention by whining.
Please direct your attention to the front of the room.
Attention to detail is important in model building.
Her speech commanded attention from start to finish.
Sudden movements catch the attention of cats.
The movie failed to keep my attention after the first hour.
Keep your attention on the road while driving.
Gaining the teacher's attention, he asked his question.
Attention Idioms & Phrases
Catch someone's attention
To do something that makes someone notice you.
The flashy advertisement caught my attention while I was browsing online.
Pay attention
To listen, watch, or consider something or someone very carefully.
It's important to pay attention in class to understand the lesson.
Attract attention
To do something that makes people notice you.
Wearing a bright red hat is sure to attract attention at the park.
Center of attention
Being the main focus of everyone's interest or attention.
At her birthday party, she was the center of attention.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called Attention?
It derives from Latin "attendere," meaning to stretch toward, give heed to.
What is the pronunciation of Attention?
ə-ˈten(t)-shən.
What is the verb form of Attention?
Attend.
Which preposition is used with Attention?
"To" is commonly used with attention (e.g., pay attention to something).
What is the plural form of Attention?
Attentions.
What is the root word of Attention?
The root is Latin "attendere."
Which vowel is used before Attention?
The vowel "a" is often used before "attention" (e.g., pay attention).
Is Attention an abstract noun?
Yes.
What is the singular form of Attention?
Attention.
Which article is used with Attention?
"The" or "an" can be used, depending on context (e.g., the attention of the crowd, an attention to detail).
Is Attention a noun or adjective?
Noun.
Is Attention an adverb?
No.
Is the Attention term a metaphor?
It can be used metaphorically, but it isn't inherently a metaphor.
Which conjunction is used with Attention?
Attention is not associated with a specific conjunction. It depends on the sentence context.
Is Attention a collective noun?
No.
What is a stressed syllable in Attention?
The second syllable, "ten."
What part of speech is Attention?
Noun.
Is the word “Attention” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It can be used as a direct object (e.g., He captured my attention).
How many syllables are in Attention?
3.
What is the opposite of Attention?
Neglect or disregard.
Which determiner is used with Attention?
Determiners like "this," "that," "my," "your" can be used, depending on the context.
Is the word Attention is imperative?
It can be used in an imperative manner, e.g., "Attention!"
How do we divide Attention into syllables?
At-ten-tion.
What is the second form of Attention?
N/A.
What is the third form of Attention?
N/A.
How is Attention used in a sentence?
"The loud noise quickly grabbed everyone's attention."
Is Attention a vowel or consonant?
The word "attention" starts with a vowel sound.
Is the word Attention is Gerund?
No.
What is another term for Attention?
Focus.
Is Attention a negative or positive word?
Neutral, but context can give it positive or negative connotations.
Is Attention a countable noun?
Generally uncountable, but can be countable in contexts like "attentions" referring to specific acts.
What is the first form of Attention?
Attention is a noun, so it doesn't have verb forms like first, second, or third.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
