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- pronunciation:
- fo
k
 s
- parts of speech:
- noun, verb
- features:
- Word History, Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
noun |
| inflections: |
foci, focuses |
| definition 1: |
The focus of something is the area of greatest attention or activity.
The nature program told a lot about the gorilla, but the focus of attention was the gorilla's loss of habitat.- similar words:
- center
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| definition 2: |
The focus on something like a camera or microscope is a way of adjusting it so that the device can give a clear image of what you see through the lens.
The focus on the microscope allowed Jared to see every detail of the leaf. |
| definition 3: |
The focus of a camera's image is how clear the image is.
The focus is not very good in this picture, so her face looks a bit fuzzy. |
| related words: |
angle, issue |
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| part of speech: |
verb |
| inflections: |
focuses, focusses, focusing, focussing, focused, focussed |
| definition 1: |
When you focus a camera lens, you adjust the lens to make a clear image.
Devin focused the camera lens to see all the details of the bird. |
| definition 2: |
When you focus your thoughts, you direct your thoughts to a central point. When you focus your attention, you give your attention to one thing and don't think about or look at other things.
The teacher asked the students to focus their attention on the blackboard.Drivers need to focus their attention on the road.- similar words:
- concentrate
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| definition 3: |
When you focus, you direct your attention to one specific thing.
Paul tried to focus on his homework but it was difficult with so much noise coming from outside.To understand the math problem, Ryan focused hard on what the teacher was saying.- similar words:
- concentrate
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| related words: |
aim, center, fasten, level |
| derivation: |
focused (adj.) |
In Latin, focus means "hearth" or "fireplace." It entered English in the 1600s as word for the point where rays of light meet. The meaning "center of activity or energy" came into use in the 1700s. Because the hearth was for centuries the center of home life, it is not surprising that, today, several of the meanings of "focus" have something to do with a center or meeting point.
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