Attentional is a term that is commonly used in psychology and neuroscience to describe the process of focusing one’s attention on a specific task or stimulus. It is an essential aspect of human cognition that allows us to filter out irrelevant information and concentrate on what is important.
Definitions
The term attentional is an adjective that describes the process of paying attention or focusing one’s attention. It is related to the noun attention, which refers to the act of directing one’s mind to a particular object or task.
Origin
The word attentional comes from the Latin word attentio, which means “attention” or “careful observation.” It was first used in the English language in the mid-19th century to describe the process of paying attention.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, attentional means “relating to or involving the process of paying attention.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “of or relating to attention or the process of attending.”
Associations
Attentional is often associated with cognitive processes such as perception, memory, and decision-making. It is also linked to emotional processes, as our attention can be influenced by our emotions.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of attentional include attentive, focused, concentrated, and mindful.
Antonyms
Antonyms of attentional include inattentive, distracted, unfocused, and absent-minded.
The same root words
Other words that share the same root as attentional include attention, attentive, and attend.
Example Sentences
- The attentional demands of the task were too high for the participants to complete it successfully.
- The study found that mindfulness meditation can improve attentional control.
- The teacher encouraged the students to be more attentive during class.
- The distracted driver’s lack of attentional focus led to a car accident.
- The athlete’s attentional focus was critical to their success in the competition.