Focus
'fəʊkəs
Definitions
3 meaningsThe central point of attention or activity.
'fəʊkəs
The center of interest or activity.
Her focus was on completing the project.
💡 Simply: It's like the most important thing someone is thinking about or working on. Like, if you're studying for a test, the focus is the test questions!
👶 For kids: The most important part of something, like the middle of a drawing.
More Examples
The focus of the documentary was environmental conservation.
The company's primary focus is customer satisfaction.
How It's Used
"The main focus of the meeting was the new marketing campaign."
"The photographer adjusted the focus to sharpen the image."
To direct one's attention or efforts towards a particular thing.
'fəʊkəs
To concentrate one's attention or efforts.
She needs to focus on her studies to pass the exam.
💡 Simply: To really pay attention and put your energy into something. Like, if you're trying to learn a new skill, you need to focus!
👶 For kids: To think really hard about one thing.
More Examples
He focused his energy on completing the race.
The therapist advised him to focus on his breathing.
How It's Used
"The students were told to focus on the lecture."
"She tried to focus her attention on the task."
To adjust a lens or instrument to create a clear image.
'fəʊkəs
To adjust a camera or optical device to produce a clear image.
The photographer focused the lens.
💡 Simply: Making sure something is clear and in the right place. Like, when you adjust the camera on your phone to take a nice picture, you're focusing.
👶 For kids: Making something clear to see.
More Examples
She was carefully focusing the binoculars.
He focused the telescope on the stars.
How It's Used
"He focused the camera to capture a sharp image."
"The scientist focused the microscope on the specimen."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
lose focus
To become distracted or inattentive.
"She lost focus during the presentation."
in focus
clearly visible; well-defined.
"The image on the screen was in focus."
out of focus
Not in sharp focus; unclear.
"The photograph was out of focus."
From Latin *focus* 'hearth, fireplace', later metaphorically 'center of activity, attention'.
The word 'focus' has been used since the 17th century, initially referring to the center of a fire, and later, to the center of attention or activity.
Memory tip
Think of a spotlight, it has a FOCUS.
Word Origin
"hearth, fireplace"