pay attention
Listen and watch
To pay attention is to focus your mind on something, to concentrate and notice.
The phrase treats attention as a resource you spend: Pay attention to what I'm telling you.
You can pay attention to a speaker, a task, or details.
The opposite—failing to pay attention—suggests distraction or carelessness: If you'd been paying attention, you wouldn't have missed the turn.
Perceive sound attentively
- heedGive careful attention
- regardAttentive consideration given
- mindSeat of consciousness
- noteShort written record
take notice · take heed · follow · obey · comply · respect · defer · acknowledge
Reduced, potent form
- focusConcentrated attention point
- engrossAbsorb one's attention wholly
- absorbTake in fully
- immersePlunge into liquid entirely
fixate · zero in · hone in · lock in · tune in · study · scrutinize · examine
Keenly aware of danger
- watchfulCarefully attentive, observant
- alertWarning or watchfulness
- awareHaving knowledge of
- on guardAlert and watchful
wary · cautious · sharp · keen · ready · awake · responsive · quick
Consciously attentive
- presentGift or current moment
- awareHaving knowledge of
- consciousMentally present and alert
- centeredPlaced at midpoint
grounded · noticing · observing · breathing · stillness · meditation · contemplation · reflection
listen
Perceive sound attentively
note · take notice · take heed · follow · obey · comply · respect · defer · acknowledge · consider
concentrate
Reduced, potent form
immerse · fixate · zero in · hone in · lock in · tune in · study · scrutinize · examine · observe
vigilant
Keenly aware of danger
on guard · wary · cautious · sharp · keen · ready · awake · responsive · quick · perceptive
mindful
Consciously attentive
centered · grounded · noticing · observing · breathing · stillness · meditation · contemplation · reflection · intentional
- Attention phrasesheads up, watch out, look out, keep an eye on, all ears
- caution expressionscaution, warning, beware, watch out, be careful
- behavior requestsplease, stop, wait, help, listen
- classroom commandssit down, stand up, raise hand, be quiet, listen
- focusfocus, concentration, focal point, concentrate, mindfulness
- momismsI told you so, no means no, back in my day, clean your room, do your homework