Learn How to Pronounce attention

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attention

Definition:

(nou) the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others (nou) the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something (nou) a general interest that leads people to want to know more (nou) a courteous act indicating affection (nou) the faculty or power of mental concentration (nou) a motionless erect stance with arms at the sides and feet together; assumed by military personnel during drill or review

Phonetic Transcription:

əˈtenʃən

Examples:

I appreciate the care and attention you pay to this most picayune of topics.

The attention drifts.

Some people crave the attention.

Learn more about:
attention

Related Words:

care

interesting

see

How to perfect your pronunciation of: attention

Learn Individual Sounds

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Pick an Accent

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Common mistakes of attention pronunciation

Misplacing stress: Many learners put stress on the second syllable, saying "at-ˈTEN-tion". However, the correct stress is on the third syllable: "ə-ˈTEN-ʃən". Tip: Remember to emphasize the "TEN" part.
Skipping the schwa: Some people pronounce "attention" as "at-ˈTEN-shun", omitting the schwa sound in the first syllable. The correct pronunciation includes the schwa: "ə-ˈTEN-ʃən". Tip: Practice starting with a soft "uh" sound.
Incorrect vowel sounds: Learners often mispronounce the "a" in "attention" as "æ" (as in "cat"), leading to "æ-ˈTEN-tion". The correct sound is a schwa "ə". Tip: Focus on the unstressed vowel sound for clarity.
Adding extra syllables: Some speakers mistakenly pronounce "attention" with an extra syllable, saying "at-ˈTEN-tion". The correct pronunciation has only three syllables: "ə-ˈTEN-ʃən". Tip: Count the syllables to ensure you're pronouncing it correctly.
Overemphasizing the "t": It's common for learners to overly stress the "t" sound, resulting in "at-ˈTEN-tion" with a harsh "t". The correct pronunciation is smoother: "ə-ˈTEN-ʃən". Tip: Soften the "t" to blend it with the following vowel.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "attention" in American English?

In American English, "attention" is pronounced as /əˈtɛnʃən/, with the stress on the second syllable. The first syllable uses a schwa sound, making it sound like "uh-tension."

Is there a difference in pronunciation of "attention" between British and American English?

Yes, in British English, "attention" is pronounced /əˈtɛnʃən/ as well, so the pronunciation is quite similar. However, the vowel sounds may be slightly different, with a clearer "e" in the second syllable for some speakers.

How many syllables are in the word "attention"?

The word "attention" has three syllables: at-ten-tion. The stress is placed on the second syllable, which is important for proper pronunciation.

What is a common mistake when pronouncing "attention"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, pronouncing it as /ˈætɛnʃən/ instead of /əˈtɛnʃən/. This can make it harder for listeners to understand you, so be mindful of the correct syllable emphasis.