focus
Looking for the meaning of focus? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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A point at which reflected or refracted rays of light converge.
“The heat of sunlight at the focus of a magnifying glass can easily set dry leaves on fire.”
A point of a conic at which rays reflected from a curve or surface converge.
The fact of the convergence of light on the photographic medium.
“Unfortunately, the license plate is out of focus in this image.”
The quality of the convergence of light on the photographic medium.
“During this scene, the boy’s face shifts subtly from soft focus into sharp focus.”
Concentration of attention.
“I believe I can bring the high degree of focus required for this important job.”
The exact point of where an earthquake occurs, in three dimensions (underneath the epicentre).
“The earthquake's focus was at exactly 37 degrees north, 18 degrees south, seventy five meters below the ground.”
The indicator of the currently active element in a user interface.
“Text entered at the keyboard or pasted from a clipboard is sent to the component which currently has the focus.”
The most important word or phrase in a sentence or passage, or the one that imparts information.
An object used in casting a magic spell.
(followed by on or upon) To concentrate one's attention.
“I have to focus on my work.”
To cause (rays of light, etc) to converge at a single point.
To adjust (a lens, an optical instrument) in order to position an image with respect to the focal plane.
“You'll need to focus the microscope carefully in order to capture the full detail of this surface.”
To concentrate one’s attention.
“If you're going to beat your competitors, you need to focus.”
To transfer the input focus to (a visual element), so that it receives subsequent input.
“The text box won't receive the user's keystrokes unless you explicitly focus it.”
Understanding "focus"
The word **"focus"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/ˈfəʊ.kəs/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"focus"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "focus" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "focus" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "focus" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /ˈfəʊ.kəs/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "focus" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "focus" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "focus" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "focus". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/ˈfəʊ.kəs/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "focus" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use focus in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "focus" can be used in academic and casual conversations.