The spelling of "fixt attention" may seem unusual to modern readers, but it was once a common way of writing this phrase. The extra "t" at the end of "fixt" was used to indicate that the final consonant sound was pronounced with extra emphasis or length. In IPA phonetic transcription, this would be written as /fɪkst/ with the symbol "ː" indicating a longer duration for the "t" sound. While this spelling may be considered archaic, it was widely used in English literature and documents up until the early 20th century.
"Fixt attention" refers to a state or act of sustained focus, concentration, or engagement towards a particular subject or object. It describes a situation when someone deliberately directs their mental awareness, scrutiny, or observation towards something specific.
When an individual has fixt attention, they are intensely absorbed or captivated by the subject at hand, displaying a heightened level of cognitive or perceptual alertness. This state of concentration often entails a firm resolution to maintain a steady and undistracted focus, blocking out external stimuli or distractions that may hinder their absorption.
Fixt attention can occur in various contexts, such as during an engaging lecture, an enthralling performance, or when immersing oneself in a gripping novel. In such instances, the person's attention becomes firmly fixed on the source, fostering deep understanding and appreciation.
The term "fixt attention" underscores the intentional and purposeful nature of the focused state, suggesting that it is an active process rather than a passive state of mind. It implies a deliberate choice to devote mental energy and resources towards grasping and comprehending a specific subject matter. This concentrated attention facilitates enhanced understanding, learning, and overall cognitive engagement with the subject, enabling the absorption of information or the experience of a particular event at a deeper level.
In summary, fixt attention can be defined as the intentional, sustained, and focused mental state in which an individual actively directs their awareness, concentration, and observation towards a specific subject, task, or event, consequently facilitating heightened comprehension, engagement, and cognitive absorption.
The phrase "fixt attention" is derived from the Middle English word "fixen", which means "to fix" or "to fasten". It ultimately traces its roots back to the Latin word "figere", meaning "to fix" or "to fasten". Over time, the spelling of the word evolved, including variations such as "fixt" and "fixed". In this context, "fixt attention" refers to having one's attention firmly focused or concentrated on something.