WordGarden.iofocus
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈəʊkəs/
US
- /ˈfoʊkəs/
Meanings
Noun
concentrated attention or mental effort
the main subject or center of attention
the point or setting where a lens or image becomes clear
More meaningsFewer meanings
a localized center or point of origin, such as in an earthquake or infection
Verb
to direct attention or effort toward something
to adjust eyes, a lens, or an image until it is clear
Beyond the definition
Imagine adjusting an old camera—you turn the lens until everything snaps into focus, becoming sharp and clear. That's what it means to focus. It's about directing your attention, energy, or efforts toward one specific thing. A student might focus on their studies before a big exam, while a photographer focuses a camera on a beautiful landscape. You can also talk about the focus of something, like the main point of a story or the central issue in a debate. Sometimes it's physical: "The doctor focused a light on my eye."
To focus means to concentrate attention or energy on something specific. It's about narrowing your awareness and directing it towards a particular task, object, or idea. Think of sunlight being focused through a magnifying glass—the energy is concentrated into a single, powerful point.
As a verb, you can focus on a problem to solve it, focus your efforts on achieving a goal, or even focus your mind during meditation. "She tried to focus despite the noisy classroom." It implies intentionality and effort—choosing where to direct your mental resources.
But focus isn't just about what you do. You can also talk about the focus of something else. The focus of a book might be its central theme, while the focus of a news report is the main event it covers. In photography and optics, focus refers to the point where light rays converge to create a clear image: "The photographer adjusted the focus on his camera."
Sometimes, focus can even mean the center of activity or attention: "This town has become a major focus for tech companies."
So whether it's about mental concentration, a central theme, or a sharp image—focus is all about bringing something into clear view and directing energy towards it.
Examples
- 1
Direct attention
Please focus on the first question before you answer.
- 2
Distraction
I can't focus when the TV is on.
- 3
Service improvement
We're focusing on improving customer service this month.
- 4
Skills course
The course focuses on practical speaking skills.
- Patternfocus on + topic/activity
give it most attention
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Exam preparation
Her main focus right now is getting ready for the exam.
- 6
Meeting topic
Safety was the focus of the meeting.
- Patternthe focus of + discussion/event
the main thing being discussed or given attention
- 7
Attention lapse
I lost focus halfway through the lecture.
- Phraselose focus
stop paying full attention
- 8
Business strategy
The company is trying to focus its efforts on smaller markets.
- 9
Changing topics
The discussion quickly shifted the focus away from money and onto trust.
- Patternshift the focus away from X and onto Y
change what people are paying attention to
- 10
Photography
The photographer checked the focus before taking the picture.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- lose focus
- maintain focus
- sharp focus
- focus on
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
8 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- focusnounverb
Forms
- focusedpast tensepast participleverbnoun
- focusing-ing formverbnoun
- focusespluralnounverb
- focussedpast tenseverbnoun
- focussing-ing formverbnoun
- focipluralnounverb
- focussesverbnoun